Untitled (woman washing clothes) c. 1930

Curator: This is an untitled photograph by Lewis Hine, taken at an unknown date, though likely in the early 20th century. It's part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is the steam rising from the washtub – it obscures the woman's face, creating a sense of anonymity. Curator: The steam is central, isn't it? Hine's known for capturing the lives of working-class people. Laundry here symbolizes labor but also, perhaps, purification. Editor: Precisely. The stark black and white tones emphasize the grimness of the scene. There is a clear contrast between the harsh light and the deep shadows. Curator: Hine used his camera as a tool for social reform. He wanted to expose the difficult lives of these individuals, and the lack of adornment reflects a kind of stark truth. Editor: I see that; it goes beyond mere visual observation, and seems to evoke deeper social and political anxieties. The composition, stark and unflinching, amplifies that effect. Curator: Exactly. Through this single moment, we can see echoes of countless untold stories, revealing so much more than just a woman doing laundry. Editor: Yes, Hine's ability to find the universal within such simple forms is profoundly moving.