Untitled (children riding on toy train) c. 1951

Curator: Jack Gould's small, square photograph captures a moment of pure, mid-century Americana. It's titled simply, "Untitled (children riding on toy train)." Editor: It's captivating! The sepia tones lend a nostalgic air, but there's also something unsettling about the sheer number of faces, watching... judging? Curator: Perhaps they are simply observing the spectacle of childhood—the joy of a department store train ride. The image makes me feel as though the experience is both innocent and staged. The child conductor looks like they are playing a part, not really driving the train. Editor: And who is this "Americana" for? The rows of predominantly white faces suggest a very specific demographic, excluding so many. This supposed innocence has a history, right? Curator: Absolutely. Gould’s seemingly simple photograph becomes a lens through which to examine broader socio-economic issues. There's a lot going on in this small square. Editor: I agree. It’s a potent reminder that even the most innocent-seeming images are products of their time.