Open and Shut

One of the aspects I enjoy most about working in the University Archives is the occasional unexpected little find that I come across, serendipitously, while on the hunt for something else. This photo is an example of one of those finds.

1928 Inauguration of Georgetown President Coleman Nevils, S.J.

Several months ago, while looking for pictures of former Georgetown president Coleman Nevils, S.J., I came across this delightful photograph. Tucked in amongst various headshots was this image of Nevils from his inauguration as President of Georgetown University in 1928 (Nevils is pictured third from the left). At first glance this photograph didn’t appear to be any different than the thousands of other photographs we have of University officials and guests posing together. But, upon closer inspection, I noticed that all of the men, save the one on the far right, had their eyes closed. What a wonderfully timed photograph! Or so it seemed.

Close up of the1928 Inauguration of Georgetown President Coleman Nevils, S.J.

When the photograph is blown up it appears that the subjects’ eyes are both open and closed. How is this possible? Photography in the 1920s had a slightly longer exposure time than we are accustomed to today. Any movements made by those being photographed within the exposure period were also captured. While this photo was being taken, five of the six men managed to blink and the developed photograph reveals an image that shows the men with their eyes both open and closed. You have to really get up close to see it but it produces quite the optical illusion.

Ann Galloway, Assistant University Archivist

September 19, 2016