Untitled (men in suits behind large desk, Federal Trade Commission) 1937

Curator: Looking at this photograph from Harris & Ewing, we see five men in suits seated behind a large desk. It’s titled "Untitled (men in suits behind large desk, Federal Trade Commission)" and is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: My first impression is how imposing this scene feels. The reversed tones make it look almost spectral, and the men seem very formal, very serious. Curator: Yes, and the setting is significant. The Federal Trade Commission plays a critical role in regulating American commerce. This image, therefore, presents a moment of institutional power. Editor: Absolutely. I'm struck by how the composition reinforces existing hierarchies. The men, all wearing similar attire, represent a unified front of authority. It prompts a question about whose voices are missing from this room. Curator: Indeed. The absence of women and people of color is glaring. This is visual shorthand for the power structures of the era. Editor: Reflecting on this image, I wonder how differently we might perceive the FTC's work if this image included more diverse perspectives. Curator: It challenges us to consider the historical context of representation and power. The image of the FTC becomes an artifact to think about the very nature of justice and regulation.