Untitled (man feeding bottle to baby chimp) c. 1950

Curator: This is Jack Gould's small gelatin silver print, "Untitled (man feeding bottle to baby chimp)." I find it quite affecting. Editor: Yes, the composition is interesting. The stark contrast between the human figure and the chimpanzee immediately draws the eye. Curator: Indeed. It's fascinating how the image invites us to consider the shifting boundaries between the human and animal realms, particularly the ethics of keeping chimpanzees. Editor: And consider the composition. The man's leg, juxtaposed with the chimp's, creates a powerful visual tension. Curator: I wonder about the man’s role. Is he a caregiver, a researcher, or simply a spectacle for viewers? Editor: Regardless, Gould's use of light is masterful, drawing attention to the poignant intimacy of the moment. Curator: It leaves one pondering the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world. Editor: I agree. It’s a testament to the power of simple compositions in capturing profoundly complex subjects.