Untitled (woman seated in floral chair holding baby) c. 1940

Paul Gittings made this undated photograph, titled “Untitled (woman seated in floral chair holding baby).” This photograph likely captures the period of shifting gender roles, especially for women, in the mid-20th century. It represents a negotiation between domesticity and a woman's personal identity. The woman, seated in a floral chair, holding a baby, seems to be a tender portrait of motherhood, yet it also raises questions about identity, particularly as it relates to the domestic sphere. The floral chair and the serene indoor setting emphasize the domestic roles traditionally assigned to women. The image invites us to consider the complexities of women's lives during this time, balancing societal expectations with personal aspirations. The emotional weight of motherhood and the negotiation of identity are central themes in this quiet, intimate portrait.