Untitled (overhead view of man walking bride down aisle with woman holding up dress in back) 1941

Curator: This is an untitled photograph by Martin Schweig, capturing an overhead view of a wedding procession. There's no date assigned. Editor: My initial impression is the overwhelming weight of tradition. The composition emphasizes the stiff formality. Curator: Absolutely. Schweig was a St. Louis photographer, and this image seems like a proof, given the stamp at the bottom. It’s interesting to consider the labor involved in wedding photography at that time. Editor: And the socio-political forces at play. Weddings are public spectacles, aren't they? Who attends? What is the family's social standing? Curator: Yes, and this image also makes me think about the material culture of weddings - the dress, the flowers, the church furnishings… Editor: The photograph itself, as a commodity. Think about how images like this solidify norms. So much symbolism rests on those white dresses. Curator: It’s quite a fascinating glimpse into the cultural production of marriage. Editor: Exactly, and the image itself as a tool, shaping perceptions of ritual. Curator: Indeed, it really highlights the careful performance of it all.