Untitled (wedding group portrait) c. 1930s

Editor: Here we have an untitled wedding portrait by Martin Schweig, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The formality of this photo really strikes me. What can you tell me about the social context surrounding images like this? Curator: It's a fascinating glimpse into the performance of social status in the early 20th century. Wedding portraits like these were carefully orchestrated displays of affluence and social connections. Notice the composition, the subjects, and the setting; the family portrait hanging on the wall behind the wedding party is suggestive of the desire to claim an elevated social position and historical pedigree for the bride and groom. Editor: I see. So it's about more than just capturing a memory? Curator: Exactly. It's about constructing and projecting a particular social image. The photographer, Schweig, also plays a role in solidifying these social rituals. Do you see that his studio location is listed in the lower right corner, "ST. LOUIS"? This suggests that the photo studio also caters to clients who are looking to show off their recent wedding. Editor: That's a great point. I hadn't considered the studio's role in all of this. It definitely gives me a new perspective on how images function within society.