Untitled (lily) c. 1892 - 1905

Curator: Here we have Sarah Choate Sears’s photograph, "Untitled (lily)," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a hushed, almost reverential quality to it, doesn't it? The sepia tones amplify that feeling of stillness. Curator: Yes, lilies have long symbolized purity and resurrection, often connected to religious iconography, especially associated with the Virgin Mary. The light here adds to that symbolic weight. Editor: The artist's control of light and shadow is masterful. See how the light gently caresses the petals, emphasizing their delicate texture? It is almost sculptural. Curator: Indeed, the lily, standing alone, might also represent the ephemeral nature of beauty, a visual reminder of life’s fragility. Editor: Looking closely at the composition, the diagonal thrust of the stem creates a dynamic tension against the softness of the flower itself. Curator: Reflecting on this image, I am reminded of the lasting power of symbols to evoke profound emotions and cultural memories. Editor: For me, it's the sheer formal elegance that resonates. Sears has transformed a simple flower into a timeless study of light and form.