Untitled (class picture, Georgetown University) 1939

Curator: This silver gelatin print, taken by Harris & Ewing, captures what appears to be a class picture from Georgetown University. I am immediately struck by the uniformity of the group. Editor: Yes, the stark tonal range in this negative image certainly underscores a rigid conformity. The composition, however, is cleverly staged; the arrangement of figures draws the eye upwards. Curator: Indeed, the photograph's strong symmetry directs our gaze to the emblem centered above them—an institutional stamp. It evokes a very particular type of power dynamic. Editor: Power, yes, and also exclusion. The homogeneity in this image—seemingly exclusively white men—reflects the historical inequities within institutions like Georgetown. Where are the women and people of color? Curator: The formal qualities, the sharp lines, and the careful arrangement, though, seem to point to an aspiration for order. The photographer clearly considered the structural balance. Editor: Structure, maybe. But to whose benefit? The image, intended as a record of an institution, serves as a stark reminder of who was included—and who was intentionally left out. Curator: I see your point. Perhaps a deeper dive into Georgetown's history could further contextualize this photograph. Editor: Exactly. It's a potent reminder that even seemingly innocuous images carry historical weight, inviting critical examination of power structures.