Untitled (large overweight man sitting at table with tray of food, drinking) 1949

Editor: This is an untitled photograph by Jack Gould, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. I'm struck by the composition—it's a close-up of a man eating, but the negative image feels so stark. What formal elements stand out to you? Curator: The stark reversal certainly emphasizes the geometry of the composition. Note how the window's grid echoes in the sharp angles of the table and tray, creating a cage-like effect. The tonal inversion also emphasizes the textures of the man's shirt and the food. Do you find that this adds to the narrative? Editor: I think it makes everything feel more isolated and intense. The textures are highlighted, and the contrasting tones make it hard to find a place to rest your eye. Thanks, that really helped me notice the compositional choices! Curator: Indeed, the artist’s skillful manipulation of light and form creates a visually compelling, if unsettling, image. I learned a new way of looking at the photo.