Untitled (animals in zoo band; a monkey playing a trombone) c. 1950

Curator: This intriguing photograph, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, is simply titled "Untitled (animals in zoo band; a monkey playing a trombone)" by Jack Gould. Editor: My first thought is how it captures a certain melancholic humor. The negative image amplifies a sense of alienation, that this monkey is trapped in an absurd performance. Curator: Indeed. The trombone, a symbol of human musicality, is being manipulated here by an animal in a zoo band. The basketball jersey adds another layer, invoking ideas of spectacle and forced performance. Editor: Exactly. Zoos have always been sites of power dynamics, showcasing and containing the 'Other.' This image becomes a potent comment on exploitation and the commodification of nature. Curator: Perhaps. Or it could also highlight the enduring human fascination with animals, imbuing them with human characteristics to better understand ourselves. The trombone can become a visual metaphor for the transfer of human knowledge. Editor: Well, that’s an interesting counterpoint. Curator: Ultimately, it's an image that prompts reflection, doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely. It leaves one pondering on the cultural narratives we impose and perpetuate.