Interior of Cafe MacMahon, Geneva c. 1935

Curator: This photograph, "Interior of Cafe MacMahon, Geneva" by Erich Salomon, captures a moment frozen in time. It’s interesting to consider the social dynamics at play in such a space. Editor: It feels heavy with unspoken stories; the low light makes me wonder what secrets are exchanged around those tables. Curator: Salomon, born in 1886, was a pioneer of candid photography. Notice how the composition places us right amongst the patrons, a fly on the wall, observing the spectacle of bourgeois life. Editor: The repetitive geometry—those tables lined up like dominoes—creates a sense of order, yet I sense a quiet rebellion in the gestures, the tilted heads, the way people lean in. Curator: These gatherings were part of a larger network of political and social elites, shaping events behind closed doors. The materiality of the cafe itself—the linens, the glassware—speaks to a culture of consumption and status. Editor: It makes me wonder what narratives these people were building for themselves. It's like a stage set, and each person is playing a role. Curator: It's a fascinating look into the culture of its time, and the role of spaces like this in shaping it. Editor: Yes, a glimpse into a world where appearances mattered, where every detail played a part in the grand performance.