Untitled (portrait of two children) c. 1940

Curator: This striking silver gelatin print, "Untitled (portrait of two children)" by John Deusing, presents us with an intriguing visual puzzle. Editor: My first thought? It's like looking at ghosts—the stark contrast creates a haunting, ethereal quality. Curator: Indeed. The photographic negative powerfully emphasizes the tonal relationships, heightening the formality. Editor: But there's also something vulnerable in their gaze, like a whispered secret caught on film. The starkness underscores this intimacy. Curator: Perhaps. This aesthetic choice emphasizes the subjects' symmetrical placement, underscoring a structural balance typical of portraiture. Editor: Maybe, but those illuminated faces against the dark ground, they really do tell a story. What do you think? Curator: A curious, and formally compelling work. Editor: And that's why it's beautiful.