The photograph titled “A Dream of Pearls” was captured by artist Clarence John Laughlin in the period of 1940-41. This black and white image presents an eerie and surreal scene in which a classical statue head is the main subject. The statue’s eyes appear to be wide open, with glassy, reflective spheres occupying the eye sockets, adding to the surrealistic quality of the image. Strands of pearls drape elegantly across the composition, with one strand in the foreground leading towards the statue. The play of light and shadow across the surfaces creates a textural contrast and emphasizes the pearls’ smooth sheen against the more rugged backdrop. The overall mood is one of haunting beauty, combining elements of dream-like fantasy with a touch of the macabre.
