Untitled (woman in long dress playing Steinway piano) c. 1930

This untitled photograph captures a woman in a long dress playing a Steinway piano and was taken by Paul Gittings. The photograph presents a portrait of elegance and refinement, but also invites questions about the representation of women and their roles during the mid-twentieth century. The Steinway piano, a symbol of cultural capital, suggests a privileged background, while the woman's poised posture and attire reflect societal expectations of femininity. The image prompts us to consider the intersection of gender, class, and artistic expression, asking how traditional notions of femininity are both upheld and potentially subverted within the domestic space. By focusing on the emotional and experiential aspects of music and performance, the photograph offers a glimpse into the inner world of its subject. It's an image that leaves us contemplating the complex interplay between personal identity, social context, and artistic representation.