Untitled (woman in white smock) c. 1892 - 1905

Curator: This is an untitled photograph by Sarah Choate Sears, a prominent figure in the Boston art scene, though it’s undated. The print measures about 23 by 18 centimeters. Editor: It feels very posed, almost staged. There's a formality about the sitter, but the loose smock disrupts that. There’s a deliberate contrast there. Curator: Sears was known for her society portraits. Her subjects often appear in domestic settings, reflecting the private sphere many women occupied at that time. Editor: That white smock is intriguing. Is it a garment of work or leisure? It challenges the strictures of feminine presentation, suggesting a potential for agency. Curator: Absolutely. Photography at the time was becoming more accessible, enabling women to construct their own identities outside of painting's traditional gaze. Editor: It makes you wonder about the sitter's own story, her place within those changing social dynamics. Curator: Indeed, it gives us insight into the world of women in that era. Editor: It’s a quiet act of rebellion, perhaps. Curator: A fascinating piece to reflect on. Editor: Certainly a conversation starter.