Untitled (man and four women sitting at tables at Christmas ball) 1960

Editor: This photograph by Martin Schweig, titled *Untitled (man and four women sitting at tables at Christmas ball)*, shows a social gathering; the negative print gives it an eerie feel. What can you tell me about the cultural context of this image? Curator: Given that it’s a Christmas ball, it likely depicts a post-war scene, with returning soldiers and a focus on rebuilding social structures. Who do you think was Schweig’s intended audience for this imagery? Editor: Perhaps Schweig was attempting to document the social norms and expectations of the time. It seems a commentary on middle-class leisure. Curator: Indeed. It highlights the public role of photography in shaping perceptions of normalcy and aspirations within a specific socio-political climate. It makes you wonder what other aspects of society were omitted. Editor: I never thought about photography having an intended audience, it gives a whole new level of analysis to the artwork. Curator: Exactly! It is vital to understanding the politics of imagery.