Untitled (two women in traditional dress carrying children) c. 1880

Curator: This is an albumen print by Félix Bonfils, a 19th-century photographer. It features two women in traditional dress, each carrying a child. Editor: There's a striking sense of weight here, not just physical but also emotional. The sepia tones lend it an air of antiquity, but the figures themselves feel very present. Curator: Bonfils's process involved coating paper with albumen, derived from egg whites, to create a smooth surface for the photographic emulsion. It’s fascinating how these materials can transform light into a durable image, documenting a moment in time. Editor: The veils, and the way they obscure the women's faces, evoke ideas of mystery and cultural identity. But the children also represent vulnerability and hope. Curator: Indeed. The production of such photographs also speaks to the colonial context of the time, raising questions about representation and the photographer's gaze. Editor: Ultimately, it's a powerful image that lingers in the mind, prompting reflection on the complexities of motherhood, culture, and the passage of time. Curator: It certainly gives one much to consider regarding the materiality of representation, wouldn't you agree?