Untitled (bride and groom posed standing in front of winding staircase) 1935

Editor: This silver gelatin print by Martin Schweig shows a bride and groom. It's quite striking, almost ghostly. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Look closely at the textures, the sheen of the groom's suit, the delicate veil. How do these materials speak to the social and economic context of this wedding, its aspirations, and perhaps even the labor involved in producing these garments? Editor: I hadn't thought about the labor involved. Curator: And consider the studio backdrop, what does that say about constructed realities versus lived experiences? Ultimately, it's about unraveling the narrative embedded within these materials. Editor: I see. So much to think about beyond the surface. Curator: Indeed! Examining the tangible aspects can reveal much about the values and structures of the time.