Agra, India 1960

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we have a compelling photograph by Martin Schweig, simply titled "Agra, India." Editor: I’m immediately struck by the heavy contrast and how it emphasizes the weight these women carry, literally and perhaps figuratively. Curator: Indeed, the pots themselves are significant—vessels of life. Water in many cultures symbolizes purity, sustenance, and even spiritual cleansing. The act of carrying water becomes a potent symbol of labor and resilience. Editor: I agree. And the texture of those pots! Consider the making of these clay vessels. This photograph captures not just the women, but their daily lives, their material conditions, the sheer work involved in obtaining water. Curator: It evokes a sense of timeless tradition. These women, these pots, this architecture—they all speak to a deep, enduring cultural narrative. Editor: It makes you wonder about the stories contained within those pots and within these women themselves. Curator: Exactly. A poignant glimpse into lives both ordinary and extraordinary.