Untitled (five wedding bridesmaids in feather hats encircling groom) 1948

Curator: This photograph, "Untitled (five wedding bridesmaids in feather hats encircling groom)," is by Martin Schweig. It's quite small, only about 4 by 5 inches. My first impression is the hats are spectacular. Editor: Yes, the hats are the first thing that strike me, too, as symbols of celebration. But the composition, with the groom almost engulfed by the bridesmaids, hints at something beyond mere joy. Curator: It’s an interesting power dynamic on display here. The institutional history of marriage, particularly the public performance of it, is thrown into question. Who is the center of attention and who decides? Editor: The symmetry, especially the repetition of the feathered hats, has an almost ritualistic feel. Feathers often symbolize lightness and freedom, so are they wishing him well, or capturing him? Curator: Perhaps both? It highlights the ambivalence often present in wedding rituals, the societal expectations, and the individual desires. Editor: This photograph gives us so much to ponder about the meaning of weddings. Curator: It certainly offers a fascinating look at a historical moment and its cultural baggage.