Untitled (man with elephant on tricycle) c. 1950

Curator: This diminutive, untitled work by Jack Gould shows a man with an elephant on a tricycle. It's quite striking. Editor: My first thought is this image subverts the power dynamic one might expect. Elephants symbolize strength, but here it's perched rather comically on a child's tricycle, guided by a man. Curator: Yes, the tricycle becomes a symbol of vulnerability and perhaps even a comment on control or the illusion of it. Circuses often used animals for entertainment, reflecting societal values. Editor: I'm wondering about the cultural implications. What does it tell us about the relationship between humans and animals in the mid-20th century when this photo was likely taken? Was this meant to be humorous, or is there a darker undertone? Curator: It’s hard to know Gould’s intent. The elephant itself carries complex symbolism, from wisdom to royalty. Its juxtaposition with the tricycle creates a visual tension that resonates long after you've seen it. Editor: True, it's an image that sticks with you. It makes you question the roles we assign to both animals and ourselves.