Costumes of Michaelenses, Azores, Portugal (woman standing, wearing hooded cape, dark apron, dress with dark trim, wicker basked on right arm, holding chicken in left arm) c. 1880s

Editor: This is a carte de visite photograph by A.J. Rapozo, called "Costumes of Michaelenses, Azores, Portugal." The woman's dark cloak and apron give the image such a somber, almost gothic feel. What's your read on this piece? Curator: It’s a beautiful glimpse into a world perhaps vanished. Look at the way she holds that chicken, not as property, but almost like a confidante. I imagine the photographer asking her to pose just so, capturing a timeless quality, don’t you think? Editor: Absolutely, it makes you wonder about her story. Curator: Exactly! It makes you wonder, and art that evokes that kind of introspection is worth more than gold.