Untitled (portrait of a woman, Mm. Pere Gerarq) c. 1930

Curator: This arresting gelatin silver print by John Deusing, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, presents us with an untitled portrait of a woman identified as Mm. Pere Gerarq. Editor: The immediate feeling is ethereal, almost ghostly. The tonal inversions create a strangely compelling image, with that high-key lighting washing over her features. Curator: Indeed. The photographic process itself is significant here. Deusing’s choice of gelatin silver printing speaks to the democratization of portraiture during the early 20th century, making it more accessible to a wider segment of society. Editor: Absolutely. The composition, though seemingly straightforward, emphasizes her clothing—the fur trim, the hat—these elements become almost sculptural in their starkness against the light background. Curator: Consider also the sitter's social standing—the fur and jewelry are indicators of a certain economic class. Deusing’s photograph functions not just as a likeness, but also as a document of its time. Editor: It’s a captivating study in contrasts, both literally and figuratively. The interplay between light and shadow adds a layer of mystery, inviting us to contemplate both the subject and the medium itself. Curator: A compelling snapshot indeed. It reminds us of the powerful ways photography can encapsulate both individual identity and social context.