Untitled (large family portrait at bar mitzvah) c. 1950

Curator: John Howell's gelatin silver print, simply titled "Untitled (large family portrait at bar mitzvah)", captures a formal gathering in striking monochrome. Editor: It has a slightly unsettling, almost ghostly quality to it, amplified by the inverted tonalities. The checkerboard floor creates a dizzying effect, adding to the surreal atmosphere. Curator: This photograph, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, invites us to consider the performative aspects of family and community. Editor: Exactly. The rigid poses and formal attire speak to societal expectations, particularly within religious and cultural contexts. Who is included, who is excluded, and who holds the power? Curator: We might also contemplate the role of photography in shaping collective memory and identity within this community. Editor: Absolutely. It forces us to consider how these types of images are constructed, and what narratives they perpetuate, or perhaps even challenge. Curator: It's a fascinating glimpse into a specific moment and the values it represents. Editor: A powerful reminder that even seemingly straightforward portraits can hold layers of complexity and unspoken stories.