Untitled (woman in Masonic robes posed looking in mirror reflecting other young women) 1951

Curator: Here we have an intriguing photograph by Martin Schweig, titled "Untitled (woman in Masonic robes posed looking in mirror reflecting other young women)." It's a gelatin silver print measuring approximately 10 by 13 centimeters, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, what a trip! It feels like stepping into a secret society… or maybe a bizarre dream. The robes give it this solemn, almost theatrical vibe, but the mirror adds a layer of playful distortion, doesn’t it? Curator: Absolutely. The mirrored reflection introduces a fascinating element of doubling and perhaps even questions of identity within this social context. Masonic imagery often played with these themes of hidden knowledge and belonging. Editor: It's got me thinking about how women navigate these spaces, then and now. Are they seeing themselves reflected, or something else entirely? Curator: Precisely. The composition invites us to consider the role of women in fraternal organizations and their representation within these historically male-dominated spheres. Editor: There's definitely more than meets the eye here. I love how it makes you question everything! Curator: Indeed. Schweig's photograph encourages us to examine the complexities of social structures and individual perception.