Untitled (two boys dressed all in white holding bibles and rosaries, standing, hands together) c. 1950

Curator: This is an untitled photograph by John Deusing, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts two boys dressed in white, holding bibles and rosaries. Editor: It's striking how the texture of the clothing contrasts with the smooth backdrop. The crisp white fabric against the softer, almost blurry background creates a real tension. Curator: The image clearly evokes a sense of innocence and religious tradition, doesn't it? The formal pose, the objects they hold, all suggest a ritual or significant event. The white attire is almost certainly linked to a Catholic confirmation ceremony. Editor: Agreed. And those simple cotton shirts, the way they're starched and pressed—there's a real labor embedded in maintaining that kind of pristine appearance, especially for children. You can feel the class implications, the expectations of presentation. Curator: Yes, photography itself, as a medium, became increasingly accessible, but the act of commissioning a formal portrait still held social significance. It's a carefully constructed image of childhood, faith, and perhaps, social standing. Editor: Looking at the wear on their shoes, though, reminds us of the realities of everyday life, even amidst these religious rituals. It's a fascinating juxtaposition of the sacred and the mundane, all captured in the photographic process. Curator: Indeed. Thinking about the image’s historical context enriches our experience as viewers. Editor: Absolutely, it's those layers of materiality and social practice that make the image so compelling.