Untitled (man in office and men outside of Biggie's steak shop) 1946

Curator: Jack Gould's "Untitled (man in office and men outside of Biggie's steak shop)," preserved at the Harvard Art Museums, offers a glimpse into a mid-century office setting. Editor: The grayscale gives it such a somber feel; almost clinical, despite the clutter of trophies. Curator: The trophies and shield-shaped decorations, displayed above the desk, speak to a particular culture of achievement and the visible markers of success in the workplace. Editor: It's interesting to consider the desk itself, the materials used, the labor involved in its construction, and how it serves as a focal point for work and maybe even leisure. Curator: Absolutely, and the man and woman at the desk—their roles, their relationship to each other, and the power dynamics inherent in that space—are critical to understanding the social landscape. Editor: Seeing how these materials and objects come together really emphasizes the constraints, the expectations, and the realities of work. Curator: A powerful reflection on the layers of meaning embedded in this everyday scene. Editor: Indeed, a snapshot into the nuts and bolts of a specific time.