Twee onbekende verpleegsters 1945 - 1956

Editor: Here we have a gelatin-silver print from an unknown artist, simply titled *Two Unknown Nurses*, dating sometime between 1945 and 1956. It feels like a very direct, unembellished portrait. What captures your attention in this photograph? Curator: It's funny, I’m instantly drawn into a little world of quiet camaraderie here. Don’t you think? Post-war, mind you. Look at how carefully the artist chose to highlight the textures: the intricate quilting of one nurse’s long dress against the crisp lines of the other's uniform... It feels like the fabric itself holds a silent story. It makes me wonder what was on their minds and how they would feel about the photograph now. And what is the bright object casting the large shadow? A light? An open window? It’s like peeking through a half-opened door to a past era! Editor: Absolutely, that contrast between textures and shapes gives it an unexpected depth. Did post-impressionism or realism impact such portrait photography at the time? Curator: I would bet. Realism tried to catch authentic likeness of people, and that really shows through. The composition's frankness definitely makes it appear honest, with very subtle compositional qualities that direct our eyes. A world of unspoken narratives. Don’t you think? What does it evoke in you? Editor: I suppose it reminds me that everyone, even those in service roles, has their own complex lives and stories. Thanks, this was a lovely close look. Curator: Yes! And perhaps to ask ourselves how we see them as humans outside their jobs!