Untitled (children dressed up as king and queen) c. 1950

Curator: This is an untitled silver gelatin print by Jack Gould, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Note the dimensions: a mere 6 by 6 centimeters. Editor: It's a ghostly image, almost dreamlike. The negative exposure lends a strange gravity to these children dressed in what appear to be king and queen costumes. Curator: Indeed. The formal arrangement, with the figures posed centrally, emphasizes the symmetrical balance of the composition. The texture of the fabrics seems almost palpable. Editor: I’m drawn to the materiality of the costumes. What were they made of? The visible seams and embellishments speak to a tradition of crafting and making-do, celebrating fantasy with whatever materials were available. Curator: The stark contrasts in light and shadow amplify the thematic tension between innocence and artificiality, creating a compelling visual paradox. Editor: Absolutely, the work’s emotional resonance is palpable, inviting reflection on childhood, power, and the stories we tell ourselves. Curator: A succinct assessment, and I concur. Editor: Indeed.