Untitled (advertising image, women in hat with veil, fur stole) 1940

Editor: This is an untitled advertisement by Harris & Ewing, showing a woman in a veiled hat and fur stole. It looks like a photograph, quite stark. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Given its purpose as an advertisement, it's vital to consider the means of production and consumption at play. This image promotes not just a product, but a lifestyle predicated on fur and fashion. Consider the labor involved in producing these goods, from trapping animals to manufacturing textiles. Editor: So, it's more than just a pretty picture? Curator: Exactly. It reflects the social and economic structures of its time, promoting a particular vision of feminine beauty tied to material wealth and consumerism. How does viewing it through this lens change your perspective? Editor: I see how it connects to broader issues. It's not just about fashion, but the system that makes it possible. Curator: Precisely. By examining the materials and their social context, we can unpack the layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple image.