Untitled (bridge construcion, long cables) c. 1950

Curator: This gelatin silver print by Jack Gould, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums, presents an untitled depiction of bridge construction, dominated by sweeping cables. Editor: It's stark, almost ghostly. The inverted tones and high contrast lend it a dreamlike quality, underscoring the skeletal structure of the bridge. Curator: This photograph is particularly intriguing because it captures a moment of progress and expansion in urban infrastructure, reflecting the socio-economic aspirations of the time. The bridge itself becomes a symbol of connectivity and advancement. Editor: Absolutely, but look at how the composition emphasizes line and form! The converging cables create a powerful sense of depth, leading the eye through the skeletal remains of the bridge. The inversion of light and shadow really pushes the boundaries of the medium. Curator: Indeed. It provokes questions about how we choose to frame symbols of societal advance, a powerful document of urban development at a particular moment. Editor: Agreed. Even in its humble size, the image yields an almost overwhelming architectural presence through contrasting tones.