Untitled (two formally dresses men seated, sunlight, formal room) c. 1920

Editor: This photograph, "Untitled (two formally dressed men seated, sunlight, formal room)" by Harris & Ewing, shows two men in suits. The strong contrast and the detail of their outfits feels very symbolic. What do you see in this image? Curator: The figures’ formal dress and the trappings of power suggest a specific social ritual. But inverted, it's like looking at a dreamscape. What hidden rules or unspoken understandings might we be seeing reflected, or perhaps subverted? Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn’t thought about it as a reflection of social rules. Curator: It could also be about the psychological weight of societal expectations, the performance of masculinity, perhaps even a commentary on power dynamics. The hat is like a symbol of their relationship, don't you think? Editor: I do. I learned to look for hidden symbols. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It’s all about decoding the visual language.