Untitled (three sergeants in uniform) c. 1940

Curator: This photograph, "Untitled (three sergeants in uniform)" by John Deusing, presents a striking image with its dimensions of roughly 4x5 inches. What is your initial take on it? Editor: The high contrast gives it an almost ghostly feel. The sergeants seem frozen, their expressions unreadable, and it feels a little unsettling, perhaps because of the power dynamic inherent in uniforms. Curator: Precisely. We have to consider the cultural context of uniformed figures and the power they represent, especially in relation to race and class. This image, viewed through a contemporary lens, sparks important questions about authority and visibility. Editor: And the image’s starkness emphasizes the rigidity of the institution they represent, doesn't it? How the photographic medium itself plays into constructing that image of authority is worth considering, too. Curator: Absolutely. This photograph is more than a portrait; it's a social artifact that prompts critical dialogues about representation and power. Editor: Reflecting on this piece, I see how even simple portraits can contain such profound layers of meaning and social commentary.