Untitled (nine children posed sitting in front of fireplace decorated for Christmas) 1970

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we have an intriguing photographic negative entitled, "Untitled (nine children posed sitting in front of fireplace decorated for Christmas)" by Martin Schweig. Editor: It's striking how the inverted tones lend an almost spectral quality, even though the composition centers on such a traditionally warm scene. Curator: Indeed. The fireplace and stockings are potent symbols, indicating a ritualistic presentation of idealized family life, especially for a public image. Editor: Absolutely. The stockings each have a name; “Jolie” is the most legible. The names point to the individuality within the group, but are also unified beneath the mantel. Curator: It’s interesting to consider the photographer’s role in shaping this portrayal of family, thinking about how such images uphold certain societal expectations. Editor: And the dark tones and symmetry create a solemn mood, a marked contrast to the joyful symbolism you’re describing. It is a fascinating tension. Curator: It really is! It shows how photographic practice can be a form of cultural production as well as personal expression. Editor: It’s certainly given me a lot to ponder about holiday imagery. Thanks.