Untitled (mother and four children seated on couch in front of fireplace) c. 1950

This photograph by Paul Gittings, showing a mother and four children seated in front of a fireplace, is made using the traditional photographic process involving light-sensitive materials. The photographic process itself has social significance. It democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider range of people beyond the elite who could afford painted portraits. This image, with its careful arrangement of the family and formal attire, speaks to the aspirations of middle-class families. The inherent qualities of the photograph – its clarity and detail – allow us to examine the social context of the time, from fashion to interior design. The photograph is a record of a moment, but it also represents the labor of the photographer, the production of the materials, and the consumption of the image by the family. By considering these aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural significance of the artwork.