Untitled (man sitting at desk in office talking on telephone, large painting of man behind him) 1947

Editor: This photograph, "Untitled (man sitting at desk in office talking on telephone, large painting of man behind him)" by Jack Gould, feels dense with layers of power. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The photograph seems to frame the individual at the desk against the backdrop of a grand portrait. What does that portrait evoke for you? Perhaps an ancestor or an ideal? Editor: It suggests legacy, maybe even authority. Is the telephone also symbolic, acting as a conduit of power? Curator: Indeed, it could symbolize influence extending beyond the immediate space. The desk itself, laden with objects, speaks to a certain status. Do you see any repeated shapes or forms? Editor: Now that you mention it, the rectangular shapes of the blinds, the desk, the picture frame... they all create a sense of enclosure and control. Thanks, I didn't catch that! Curator: The symbols are familiar, but when brought together they can tell a new story.