Untitled (woman reading picture book at table with two daughters to her sides) after 1940

Paul Gittings made this untitled gelatin silver print, now in the Harvard Art Museums, and it shows a woman reading a picture book at a table with her two daughters. The image evokes an intimate family moment, but its staging also speaks to broader cultural values around domesticity and education. Made in the mid-20th century, this photograph captures a specific vision of ideal family life. The woman, likely a mother, takes on the role of educator, guiding her children through literature. Looking closely, we can see visual codes that emphasize order and respectability. The subjects are neatly dressed, and the setting is simple yet presentable. This attention to detail suggests a desire to project a particular image of middle-class life. To fully understand this work, we might explore the history of family photography, educational reforms, and gender roles during this period. By considering the social and institutional context of this image, we gain insights into the values and aspirations of its time.