Untitled (baby in bassinette with hand up by mouth) after 1940

Paul Gittings captured this photograph, titled "Untitled (baby in bassinette with hand up by mouth)", the date of which is unknown. Gittings specialized in portraiture, often capturing images of children from affluent families. The image presents a tender moment of infancy. The baby’s gaze is direct yet soft, inviting the viewer into their intimate space. The bassinette, draped in delicate fabric, evokes a sense of protection and care. Yet, this seemingly innocent image carries the weight of social context. The photograph reflects the privileges of a certain class, and the visual language of the image, with its emphasis on purity and innocence, can be seen as reinforcing traditional representations of childhood. The baby's vulnerability reminds us of the societal structures that shape an individual's early life.