Untitled (young men and women at table at ball) 1962

This gelatin silver print, made in December of 1962 by Robert Burian, depicts young men and women gathered around a table at a ball. Captured at a specific moment in time, this image serves as a social document, reflecting the norms and values of mid-century American society. The formal attire, the gender dynamics, and the setting all speak to the social rituals and expectations of the time. The photograph might be considered in relation to the institutions of the Ivy League, in particular. Archival sources might reveal whether this event was hosted by the university, and to what extent the institution played a role in shaping the social lives of students. This artwork encapsulates a particular slice of cultural history, opening up questions about social class and identity in a specific time and place.