Untitled (parents and children in doorway) c. 1950

Curator: This is an intriguing gelatin silver print simply titled "Untitled (parents and children in doorway)," created by Lucian and Mary Brown. It is part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums and measures about 4 by 5 inches. Editor: The immediate impression is one of threshold and transition. The doorway acts as a potent symbol. Curator: Absolutely. The image captures a family—parents, a young boy, and a girl—framed by the architectural structure. Consider how the doorway itself signifies not only a physical space but also a liminal one. Editor: And look at the mother's hand gently placed on the child's back—a powerful symbol of guidance and protection, while the open doorway behind them hints at the future, the unknown. Curator: It is also a snapshot of social constructs, as are all family photographs. The Browns subtly reveal the importance of familial bonds in shaping cultural values and personal identity. Editor: The photograph definitely prompts a reflection on family, on home, and the continuous passage of time. Curator: It makes one consider the impact of such images on the formation of memory and identity.