Untitled (portrait of young woman) c. 1940

Paul Gittings made this "Untitled (portrait of young woman)," the dimensions of which are 25.4 x 20.32 cm. The portrait of a young woman, rendered in hazy monochrome, challenges the traditional portraiture of its time. The ethereal treatment of the subject invites contemplation on how the internal lives of women are often obscured or left unexplored. This work prompts us to consider the expectations placed on women, who are so often seen but not truly known. Consider, if you will, the artist's statement on challenging conventional beauty standards; you can almost hear them questioning the superficiality of appearances. The abstract quality of the portrait could reflect a desire to move beyond surface-level representation, delving into the complexity of individual identity. The artwork stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing quest for understanding and valuing the multifaceted experiences of women.