Untitled (two portraits of mother and child) c. 1930

Editor: Here we have an untitled photograph by John Deusing, showing two portraits of a mother and child. The negative image gives it a spectral quality. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This photographic negative, likely dating from the late 19th or early 20th century, prompts us to consider the evolving role of photography in constructing societal narratives around motherhood. How might the duplicated image affect the representation of women within the domestic sphere? Editor: I see what you mean. It's like it's both intimate and distant at the same time. Curator: Precisely. By considering its production and potential circulation, we can analyze how such images shaped public perceptions of family and intimacy. Editor: That's a great point, thank you. Curator: My pleasure. It's important to consider the public life of seemingly private imagery.