Untitled (portrait of woman in profile, chin tilted up) after 1940

This is an undated, untitled portrait by Paul Gittings, capturing a woman in profile. The image, rendered in black and white, invites us to consider the historical context of portraiture and its intersection with gender. The woman’s upward gaze and the soft lighting evoke a sense of hope or longing, a visual language that can be traced back to classical depictions of idealized femininity. Yet, the lack of specific context encourages us to look beyond traditional representation. How does she feel about the world? The photograph prompts us to consider the complexities of female identity. Gittings, by presenting this woman without a clear narrative, allows for an opening. A space for viewers to project their own experiences and desires. The portrait then becomes a mirror reflecting our own understanding of self.