Untitled (studio portrait of man in three piece suit holding rolled-up magazine) after 1940

This black and white photographic print by Paul Gittings depicts a man in a suit holding a rolled magazine. The image speaks to a particular culture of mid-century America and the conventions of portraiture during this time. Gittings was known as a society photographer, documenting the elites of business, politics, and culture, which gives us some context for how to view this image. The man’s three-piece suit and the magazine become visual cues, suggesting both status and intellect, qualities that would be highly valued in the circles Gittings served. The studio setting, complete with dramatic lighting, further emphasizes the staged nature of the image, aligning it with established norms of professional portraiture. Understanding the social and institutional background of such images—the world of professional photography, the expectations of wealthy clientele—enriches our understanding of the portrait. Researching the publications Gittings worked for, along with the biographies of his subjects, can provide further insight into the social dynamics at play. Only then can we fully appreciate the role of photography in shaping social perceptions and power structures.