Untitled (woman seated with young girl, girl's hand on her shoulder) after 1940

Paul Gittings produced this silver gelatin print, depicting a woman and a young girl, at an unknown date. The image's soft focus, popular in portrait photography of the early to mid-20th century, suggests it was made during that time. In this period, portraiture studios played a significant role in shaping social identities. Gittings was known for photographing high-profile figures, particularly in the Southern United States. His studio likely catered to upper-class families, who sought to immortalize their status and respectability through formal portraits. The subjects’ garments and hairstyles reflect the fashion trends of the time, indicating a consciousness of social presentation. Although this photograph lacks the clear markers of class found in other Gittings portraits, such as formal wear, the commission itself speaks to a desire to participate in the cultural practice of portraiture. Understanding the institutional role of studios like Gittings' helps us decipher the cultural values embedded in the image. Historical archives, fashion studies, and studio records could provide additional context. This allows us to understand the complex interplay between artistic expression, social aspiration, and the evolving landscape of photographic portraiture.