Untitled (portrait of a couple, woman with large corsage) c. 1930

Curator: This fascinating gelatin silver print, “Untitled (portrait of a couple, woman with large corsage)" by John Deusing, presents a formal, yet intriguing image. Editor: It strikes me as simultaneously celebratory and unsettling, almost theatrical. The stark contrast enhances the stiff poses, giving them an uncanny quality. Curator: The formality you observe speaks to the conventions of portraiture, where images served as social and familial records, reinforcing societal norms. Editor: And within those norms, the corsage becomes a symbol, not just of adornment, but perhaps of the woman's role, carefully constructed and presented. It appears almost like armor. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the politics embedded within photographic portraiture: who had access, whose stories were told and how these images circulated within specific social spheres. Editor: I see it as both a reflection and critique of constructed identities. The couple’s smiles seem strained, echoing the constraints of societal expectations. Curator: Considering the cultural context around marriage and social status, the work pushes me to think about the narratives we build around images and the assumptions we inherit. Editor: For me, it's a disquieting reminder of how appearances can veil complex realities, and how even a seemingly simple portrait can unravel intricate social dynamics.