Untitled (business man posed seated, behind desk) c. 1945

Editor: This photographic print by Harris & Ewing depicts an unidentified businessman. He's seated behind a desk, looking directly at the viewer. The photograph has a stark, almost confrontational feel to it. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The intensity comes from the socio-political context. Harris & Ewing documented powerful figures, primarily white men, solidifying their place in the American narrative. Notice the signed portrait on the wall—it underscores the self-referential nature of power. Editor: So, the photo reinforces existing power structures? Curator: Exactly. Even the seemingly neutral act of documentation contributes to the construction of historical narratives. The lack of a title further obscures the individual, reducing him to a symbol of authority. Editor: I hadn't considered that. It's unsettling to think about how photography can perpetuate inequality. Curator: Indeed. It's crucial to question whose stories are being told and who is left out of the frame.