Untitled (older woman and nun) c. 1940

Editor: This is an untitled photograph by John Deusing, it depicts an older woman and a nun, and it's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It's very striking. What symbols or meanings do you see conveyed in this work? Curator: The visual language is fascinating. The nun, adorned with symbolic garb, stands rigid, embodying tradition. The other woman, seated, holds a book, a symbol of knowledge. How do these visual symbols speak to power dynamics? Editor: Interesting, I hadn't considered the power dynamics between tradition and knowledge. Curator: Yes, and think about the choice to portray both in white, perhaps signaling purity, but also a blank slate for societal expectations. Editor: I see what you mean, that's a whole new way to look at the image. Thanks!