Untitled (seated woman smoking cigarette at cocktail party) c. 1946

Curator: This is an intriguing, small-scale image by Jack Gould, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. It’s an untitled photograph depicting a seated woman smoking at what appears to be a cocktail party. Editor: The stark contrast immediately creates a dramatic, almost noir-ish atmosphere. The negative space emphasizes the contours of the figures. Curator: Precisely. The cigarette, of course, acts as a potent symbol. It’s a signifier of sophistication, of leisure, and perhaps even a subtle hint of rebellion. Editor: It's also about performance, isn’t it? The cocktail party itself is a carefully constructed performance of social rituals, and the cigarette becomes an essential prop. Curator: Indeed. The composition draws the eye towards the woman's gesture, her hand elegantly poised with the cigarette, highlighting the performative aspect of such gatherings. Editor: I find myself reflecting on the cultural implications of such an image. What does this gathering, frozen in time, represent about the societal expectations and aspirations of the era? Curator: That is a very interesting question to ponder upon. Thank you for sharing your interpretation with me. Editor: My pleasure, I found your observations very interesting as well.