Original Metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Oval portrait of an African American woman sitting. |
| Description | Recto: F. Gutekunst, 712 Arch Street, Philada.; Verso: From F. Gutekunst, Photographer, 712 Arch Street, Philadelphia. No. 18918, June 1870, Gold and Silver Medals awarded. The negative of this print will be preserved for one year from date. Particular attention given to copying pictures of Deceased Persons, Oil Paintings, Engravings, Plans, &c., &c. |
| Creator | Gutekunst, Frederick, 1831-1917. |
| Date of creation | 1870-06 |
| Subject / names | nan |
| Subject / geolocation | Philadelphia (Pa.) |
| Subject / topics | Portraits. |
Criteria
Completeness
GPT-3.5 Turbo
Score: 2
Feedback: The metadata provides comprehensive information about the physical attributes of the photograph and the photographer, but lacks any substantial information about the subject herself. The lack of subject description contributes to a significant imbalance in how people are described in this metadata. Adding details about the person in the photograph, such as her identity, background, or any contextual information, would provide a more holistic and inclusive description.
GPT-4o Mini
Score: 3
Feedback: The metadata presents limited subject description, only noting “African American women” without individual or contextual information about the subject’s identity or experiences. The absence of specific names, relationships, or broader societal context creates moderate gaps in representation and understanding. While it acknowledges racial identity, it could provide deeper insights into the subject’s historical significance, roles, or contributions.
Command R+
Score: 4
Feedback: The metadata for this item provide a relatively clear and balanced description of the object and its key features. The title and abstract sections offer specific details about the photograph, including the photographer’s information, the date, and the address, which provide context for the creation of the portrait. The description also appropriately acknowledges the subject as an African American woman, addressing her racial identity and gender. This information is essential for users seeking images of a specific demographic group.
However, the score of 4 is given due to the potential for further detail in the description. While the basic attributes of the subject are mentioned, there is room for a more nuanced and comprehensive representation. Additional details about the woman’s expression, clothing, or any notable features in the photograph could enhance the description, providing a more holistic understanding of the image. This additional context would further balance the metadata, ensuring a more inclusive and informative representation of the item.
Timeliness
GPT-3.5 Turbo
Score: 3
Feedback: In this metadata, the term “Negro” is notably absent, which is a positive sign as it was a common term used historically in similar contexts. The absence of subjects in the “Subjects” field is concerning as it limits the specificity and access points for users looking for relevant content. The term “African American women” is used, which reflects a more contemporary and respectful language choice. However, the metadata lacks depth in describing the content, focusing more on the photographer information rather than the depicted individual. This lack of descriptive detail can perpetuate invisibility and contribute to the dehumanization of the subject.
GPT-4o Mini
Score: 5
Feedback: The metadata does not contain any outdated or harmful terms; specific descriptors appropriately identify the subject matter. The term “African American women” is correct and respectful. The language used is straightforward and suitable for the historical context without perpetuating stereotypes. Overall, the metadata reflects care in representation.
Command R+
Score: 4
Feedback: The metadata for this item from the Robert Langmuir African American Photograph Collection contains minimal instances of harmful language. The term “African American” in the title and subject fields is currently the preferred nomenclature and is not harmful. However, the abbreviation “nan” in the Subjects field could be considered outdated and mildly harmful as it may obscure the context and significance of the photograph. This score of 4 indicates that the language used in these metadata is mostly inclusive and free of harmful connotations, with only minor improvements needed to enhance its inclusivity further.
Accessibility
GPT-3.5 Turbo
Score: 3
Feedback: The metadata provides detailed information about the photograph, including the photographer, location, date, and awards received. However, the absence of subjects in the subject field hinders the accessibility. The language used is clear and concise, but the use of abbreviations like ‘Recto’ and ‘Verso’ may be unfamiliar to some users, impacting overall accessibility. The inclusion of more specific subject information would enhance the accessibility of the metadata.
GPT-4o Mini
Score: 4
Feedback: The metadata is mostly accessible as it uses clear language with minimal jargon. However, the abbreviation “nan” under subjects is confusing and does not offer any information. The metadata communicates key details about the photograph effectively, making it understandable for most users. Overall, only minor issues affect its clarity.
Command R+
Score: 4
Feedback: The metadata for this item from the Robert Langmuir African American Photograph Collection is largely written in clear and plain language, with most of the content being readily understandable by users. The title accurately describes the image, and the abstract provides additional context, such as the photographer’s information and the date. Technical terms like “recto” and “verso” may need further explanation for a non-expert audience, and the abbreviation “No.” could be expanded to “Number” to enhance clarity. Overall, the metadata is mostly accessible, but some minor revisions could be considered to ensure a more inclusive and understandable description of the item.