Defectives, Feeble-minded: United States. Massachusetts. Waverly. School for Feeble-minded: Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded.: "On Left Into Line." c. 1903

Editor: This photograph, titled "Defectives, Feeble-minded: United States. Massachusetts. Waverly. School for Feeble-minded," by William A. Webster, presents a rather unsettling image of boys in formation. What visual cues stand out to you? Curator: The rigid linearity, the repetitive forms of the figures and rifles, create a visually striking pattern. Notice how the receding perspective draws the eye, yet the lack of differentiation among the subjects suggests a suppression of individuality. The sepia tone further enhances the sense of uniformity and detachment. Editor: That's a great point about the linearity. It does create a sense of order, but also constraint. I hadn't considered the impact of the sepia tone in emphasizing uniformity. Curator: Indeed. It's through these visual elements—line, form, color—that we can begin to decode the work's meaning. Editor: Thank you. It’s fascinating how focusing on these formal aspects unveils so much.