Untitled (members of the Moore family) c. 1932

Curator: This photograph, by C. Bennette Moore, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Untitled (members of the Moore family)." The gelatin silver print measures 17.8 by 12.7 centimeters. Editor: It strikes me as unsettling, almost spectral. The inverted tones lend a haunted quality to this domestic scene. Curator: Indeed. The negative effect transforms familiar images—the family, the house—into something alien, potentially subverting traditional representations of family and home. Editor: And what of the oversized vase, practically obscuring two of the figures? Its presence feels loaded, perhaps symbolizing the burdens or expectations placed upon the family. Curator: That's a fascinating point. The plant itself, rigidly upright, might signify societal constraints or aspirations. These visual motifs offer a glimpse into the performative aspects of family identity during that time. Editor: The symbolism, though inverted, offers a powerful commentary on familial roles and societal pressures. Curator: Absolutely. Looking at the social context, the photograph allows us to examine historical narratives around identity and belonging. Editor: A haunting glimpse into the past, made all the more poignant by its inverted vision.