Untitled (bride and groom, St. Louis, Missouri) after 1945

Curator: Here we have Martin Schweig's "Untitled (bride and groom, St. Louis, Missouri)" from the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s a strikingly formal black and white photograph. The textures of the veil and sailor's uniform really stand out. Curator: Absolutely. And knowing it was taken in St. Louis, we can think about the socio-economic context of wartime weddings, especially for a sailor. What did marriage signify at that moment? Editor: Beyond the image, I wonder about the paper it's printed on, the chemicals used, the labor in its creation. These materials and processes are so central to understanding photography. Curator: Indeed, and it adds layers to the narrative beyond just a simple wedding portrait. It's a poignant reminder of the past. Editor: A past made tangible through very specific, and often overlooked, materials.