Untitled (drum majorette, twirling from side) c. 1940

Curator: This is an untitled image by John Deusing, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums’ collection. It features a drum majorette. Editor: The high contrast and the figure's dynamic pose give it a real sense of movement. The twirling baton is almost an extension of her own energy. Curator: Indeed. The work likely captures the energy and spectacle associated with marching bands. Majorettes were powerful symbols within many communities, often tied to local pride and school spirit. Editor: Note how the composition directs our gaze upward, emphasizing her face and the confident tilt of her feathered hat. It's a masterclass in using form to convey a clear message. Curator: The picture offers an interesting perspective on the role of women in traditionally male-dominated spaces and the broader context of community identity. Editor: It's truly remarkable how much is conveyed through these simple elements of light, shadow, and shape. Curator: It leaves me pondering on the cultural shifts and the symbolic weight this seemingly simple image once carried. Editor: And it makes you want to start dancing!