Untitled (old couple) c. 1920

Curator: This is Martin Schweig's "Untitled (old couple)," a photograph residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at the formal attire and setting, one might assume it commemorates a special occasion. Editor: They look so serious. And kind, actually. There's a stillness here, a comfortable quiet that speaks volumes about a lifetime together. Do you feel it? Curator: Absolutely. Portraiture, especially among the middle class, became increasingly common as photography democratized image-making. This piece offers a glimpse into the aspirations and self-presentation of the era. Editor: It's so moving to see the little things, the lace, the way he holds his glasses. It captures the weight of shared stories, the simple beauty of aging alongside someone you love. Curator: Indeed. It’s a potent reminder of how photography immortalizes fleeting moments and shapes collective memory. Editor: It makes you think about your own story, the people who've shaped it. Timeless, really.