Untitled (woman in dress and long gloves draped over snarling lion fur) c. 1935

This photograph of a woman draped over a snarling lion fur was captured by Paul Gittings using photographic film. The image is striking in its textures, from the softness of the woman's dress to the coarse fur of the lion. The photographic process itself, with its darkroom chemistry, is crucial to understanding the image. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible beyond the wealthy elite who had previously been the sole subjects of painting. But what does it mean to drape oneself in animal fur? It speaks to the commodification of nature, the transformation of wildlife into luxury goods. It also points to the history of hunting, class, and labor. Understanding Gittings' photograph means acknowledging the complex interplay of materials, making, and social context. It requires looking beyond traditional art-historical boundaries to consider the broader implications of production and consumption.