Accession Number2013/2.110
TitleFireflies
Artist(s)Keith CarterArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1992, printed 1993Medium & Supportplatinum-palladium print on paperDimensions 10 in x 10 in (25.4 cm x 25.4 cm)
Credit LineGift from the Collection of David S. Rosen MD, MPHSubject matterThis photograph depicts a view of two boys in swim trunks standing calf-deep in a body of fresh water. Vignetted by leafy trees, branches, and shadows, the two boys are silhouetted against the light reflected off the water beyond them. While a portion of the setting is in focus, the two boys are not, their blurry forms suggesting movement. They stand facing one another, appearing to look into the large glass jar that they hold, which, as the photograph’s title implies, contains fireflies. The shadowed figures and foreground speaks to the dusky time of summer days when fireflies emerge to flicker their bioluminescent bodies. The time-honored children’s activity of catching fireflies in jars to create sparkling lanterns is accentuated by the softness of the image’s focus, lending it the magical air of childhood wonder.
Physical DescriptionThis photograph depicts a view of the silhouetted forms of two boys holding a large glass jar and standing in a body of fresh water surrounded by trees.
Primary Object ClassificationPhotographCollection AreaPhotographyRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
boys
children (people by age group)
jars
lakes (bodies of water)
offspring
phosphorescence (luminescence)
trees