Untitled (woman dressed all in black with veiled hat and fur stole, hand by cheek) after 1940

Paul Gittings captured this photograph of an unknown woman dressed in black, donning a veiled hat and fur stole. Although the exact date of its creation remains unknown, the subject embodies the allure of mid-century fashion, revealing the constructed nature of feminine identity. The woman's poised hand, adorned with rings, frames a face gazing softly outwards, creating an emotional connection. Yet, the veil casts a shadow, hinting at the complexities and constraints placed upon women during that era. This visual tension prompts us to consider the societal expectations and unspoken narratives woven into such portraits. It's a glimpse into the performance of identity, where fashion becomes a language, and the portrait, a stage.