Untitled (woman with two batons) 1941

Curator: Here we have an intriguing, undated image of a woman with two batons by John Deusing, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. What's your immediate reaction to it? Editor: Honestly, it’s like a forgotten dream sequence from a Busby Berkeley musical—all glitter and high kicks, but with this eerie, almost ghostly vibe. It feels both glamorous and unsettling. Curator: The image evokes an era deeply influenced by spectacle, mass media, and a certain idealized femininity. The batons and costume point to performance, while the photographic negative adds a layer of abstraction. Editor: It's a curious mix! Like she is stepping out of a vintage magazine ad but feels more like a phantom. This image makes you wonder about the dreams and projections of the past. Curator: I agree, it definitely captures a moment of constructed identity, filtered through the lens of popular culture. I find it quite fascinating. Editor: Me too, there is so much more than meets the eye!