Untitled (unretouched portrait of older woman) after 1940

This photograph by Paul Gittings captures an older woman in what is described as an "unretouched" state. The portrait, with its soft focus and stark simplicity, reminds us of the ancient Roman tradition of veristic portraiture, where wrinkles and imperfections were celebrated as signs of wisdom and experience. Yet, here, the explicit note of "unretouched" is telling. It speaks to our modern obsession with concealing age, a fear that echoes the age-old quest for immortality. Consider how the lines etched on her face—each a testament to a life lived—become powerful symbols. In a world that often equates youth with beauty, this unvarnished portrayal challenges us to confront our anxieties about aging. Perhaps Gittings is prompting us to remember that true beauty lies not in timelessness, but in the journey etched upon our faces. The gaze of the sitter, direct and unwavering, adds to this psychological depth, engaging viewers on a profound level.