Untitled (Santa with people next to small plane) c. 1950

Curator: This image, entitled "Untitled (Santa with people next to small plane)" by Lucian and Mary Brown, presents a fascinating scene. It’s a gelatin silver print, quite small, only about 4 by 5 inches. Editor: My first impression is surreal. Santa, a plane, and what looks like a formal receiving line? The high contrast emphasizes a starkness, as if this is some kind of official arrival. Curator: Precisely! Consider the social context: post-war America, where commercial aviation was becoming more accessible, and Santa was being leveraged for department store promotions. Editor: So, Santa using a plane carries a powerful message about progress and efficiency. It also suggests a cultural shift, where even mythical figures are modernized for mass consumption. Curator: And the act of shaking hands—a political symbol? Is this an endorsement, perhaps even an early form of celebrity endorsement? Editor: It certainly feels staged. The image seems designed to convey a message about Santa's integration into modern life, almost like a business merger! Curator: I agree. It makes you consider how our perception of folklore has been shaped and commercialized. Editor: It’s striking how this simple photo reveals a complex network of cultural values and social messaging.