Untitled (portrait of a woman) c. early 1930s

Editor: This is an untitled portrait of a woman by John Deusing. I find the stark lighting quite striking. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Notice how the photograph, acting as a negative, reverses light and dark, transforming familiar cues. What does it signify to present the portrait as a negative, inverting our expectations of light and shadow? Editor: It’s like seeing a ghostly image. What’s the significance of that? Curator: Perhaps it's about revealing hidden aspects, the unseen layers beneath the surface. Do you think the flowers in her hand also have a symbolic meaning? Editor: Possibly, but I'm not sure what it could be. This has given me a lot to think about, thanks!