Untitled (woman in dress with geometric pattern over shoulder leaning back on elbow on studio prop) after 1940

This undated photograph by Paul Gittings captures a woman in a dress with a geometric pattern, leaning back on a studio prop. In the early to mid-20th century, portrait studios offered a space where individuals could craft and project a specific image of themselves. Consider the woman’s pose, which exudes a casual elegance, yet feels very staged. The geometric pattern on her shoulder adds a modern touch, while the overall composition maintains a sense of timeless sophistication. There is a deliberate performance of identity here. What does this image tell us about the subject's sense of self, and about the cultural values of the time? It invites us to reflect on how we construct and present ourselves to the world, and how photography can both capture and shape our perceptions.