Untitled (portrait of a woman in military uniform) c. 1940

Editor: Here we have an undated portrait by Martin Schweig, titled "Untitled (portrait of a woman in military uniform)." The photo is small but striking. What catches your eye about this photograph? Curator: The overlaid studio text immediately speaks to the conditions of its making and circulation. It’s a proof, not the final object, emphasizing the labor and commercial aspect of portrait photography, and its role in shaping personal identity during wartime. Editor: So, you see the overlaid text as essential, not a distraction? Curator: Absolutely. It reminds us that this image was produced within a specific economic and social framework. It makes us consider the material processes behind even seemingly straightforward images. What do you make of the uniform? Editor: I initially saw a simple portrait, but now I see the photo itself as a product, shaped by studio practices. Thank you!