Untitled (three women with little girl) c. 1950

Editor: This small, undated photograph by John Howell, titled "Untitled (three women with little girl)," has such a striking, otherworldly feel, probably enhanced by the negative. The women’s pearls seem to glow. What symbolic meaning do you see in this family portrait? Curator: The pearls evoke status, of course, but more profoundly, they signify continuity and the enduring power of family bonds. Notice how the women are physically connected. Does that remind you of Madonna and Child imagery in Renaissance paintings? Editor: A little, yes! I hadn't thought of it that way. The photograph appears to be capturing a moment in time while also nodding to a timeless connection between generations. Curator: Precisely! And the inversion of the image creates a distance that paradoxically draws us in, prompting us to consider the cyclical nature of memory. Editor: I’m beginning to see how personal histories can be captured through enduring symbols!