Untitled (portrait of a woman in long dress with right hand on hip, fur trimmed garment over arm) after 1940

This photograph, by Paul Gittings, captures a woman in a shimmering gown, seemingly suspended between worlds of fashion and art. Consider the photograph itself as a crafted object. Gittings has carefully controlled the lighting to emphasize the dress's texture, a textile likely woven with metallic threads to catch the light. The fur trim adds another layer of tactile richness. These materials weren't just chosen for their aesthetic appeal; they speak to a culture of aspiration, and the labor required to produce such luxury. The photographic process itself—the darkroom work, the development, the printing—is a vital part of this artwork. The resulting image is a social document, capturing a moment in time, a portrait of elegance intertwined with the processes of its creation. By recognizing the artistry inherent in both the subject's attire and Gittings's photographic technique, we can appreciate how the materials and their making elevate this photograph beyond a mere portrait, challenging the line between fashion and art.