Untitled (mother with two children) 1920

Curator: Here we have an untitled image by Hamblin Studio, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts a mother with two children. Editor: It's strikingly ethereal. The inverted tones give it a ghostly quality, almost like a memory fading. Curator: Indeed. These photographic negatives offer a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century family portraiture and the societal pressures on women to embody domesticity. Editor: The mother's dress, with its intricate lace, speaks of a certain social class, while the children appear neatly dressed, representative of the era’s emphasis on outward appearances. The holding of hands symbolizes not just familial bonds but also protection and guidance. Curator: Absolutely. Studios like Hamblin played a crucial role in shaping middle-class identity through visual representation. This image probably served as an important marker of status and family values. Editor: This piece has a strange yet tender ambiance, it speaks to the universal theme of motherhood despite its ghostly appearance. Curator: I agree. It’s interesting to consider how such images contribute to our understanding of historical notions of family.