1. Context: It is apparent that this photo was taken in broad daylight since the intense sunlight has been indicated by the distinct shadow of the girl’s body that is visible on the wall. The patterned plastered wall dramatically takes up most of the photo although it is not the focal point of the photo. It can be assumed that something compellingly unknown lies on the other side of that dark, circular window.
2. Character: The only character in the image is the young girl, who is wearing in a bright white dress, while her shoulders and arms are covered by a dark shawl, and circular brimmed hat, that has the same shape as the window, obscures her head from view. The interesting thing about the girl is that she is standing barefooted, and she is as mysterious as what behind that circular window since her face is not visible.
3. Conflict: Perhaps, the conflict in this photo can be interpreted as whatever is inside the building, behind the window. Although we cannot see what the girl is looking at, but the darkness within the circular hole suggests that there is perhaps something off-limits or sinister, and yet the girl peers through the window, bravely and curiously.
4. Plot: This photo was taken at the precise moment in which the plot of the photo was already underway. The photo was taken at the moment when the girl had already overlapped her feet, stood on her toes and is now gazing inside the window and with her hand, that disappears into the window, she is probably investigating the unseen.
5. Theme: It can be assumed that the theme of this photo is the contemplation of innocence.
6. Image Characteristics:
• Composition: The image is composed of a repetition of several patterns and shapes. For instance, the plaster wall has a repetitive pattern and the circular shape of the girl’s hat reflects the shape of the window.
• Color: It is the lack of color that allows the photographer to make the theme of this photo more prominent. The interpretation of the photo would most likely change if it was in color.
• Use of light: The photographer has creatively used the sunlight as a result of which the photo is accentuated by harsh light and a mysterious shadow is cast on the wall.
• Deep contrast: The photo has a very balanced contrast, which again is important in this photo, from the black and white pattern on the wall, to the white dress and the black shawl of the girl, and white outline of the window and black inside.
7. What the photograph means: As mentioned, this image is a contemplation of innocence. Innocence is reflected by the girl’s white dress, and the darkness within the window reflects the end of innocence. Thus, this innocent girl loses her innocence by peering into the window.
Personal Reaction: I feel that the most moving thing about this photo is the mysterious beauty of this photo, and not being able to know what the girl is looking at. Moreover, the mysteriousness of the girl, her being barefooted, and the inability to see her face are some of the things that I find compelling about this photo. I believe that the use of deep contrast is what makes this photo equally beautiful and mysterious.
Works Cited
Bravo, Manuel Alvarez. The Daughter of the Dancers. 1933. The Museum of Modern Art, Mexico. Web. 21 Jan 2013.
