Untitled (juggler swallowing a sword) c. 1860 - 1880

Curator: Willoughby Wallace Hooper’s “Untitled (juggler swallowing a sword)” is a curious albumen silver print from the late 19th century, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first? Editor: A kind of serene horror. The man’s posture is so composed, almost meditative, despite the rather alarming object protruding from his mouth. Curator: Absolutely. The sword, or dagger, can be seen as a symbol of transcendence, of pushing beyond perceived limitations. It speaks of mastery over the physical. Editor: I also think about vulnerability. The exposed chest, the way the light catches his skin… it reveals a fragility that contrasts sharply with the act itself. It’s a paradox, this image. Curator: Yes, and that paradox is precisely where the power lies, isn’t it? It’s a reminder that even in seeming control, we're always teetering on the edge of something quite unknown. Editor: A potent dance between strength and surrender. It's certainly left me with a lot to contemplate. Curator: Indeed. It's a rather unforgettable image.