Untitled (family portrait in living room: two women on sofa, two men standing in suits, boy on bench with dog) c. 1955

This photograph of a family in their living room was created by Paul Gittings at an unknown date. It portrays a carefully constructed image of domesticity. The subjects, dressed in their best attire, are arranged to convey a sense of unity and social standing. In the context of mid-20th century America, such portraits reflect a desire to project an ideal of family life. The formal attire and posed nature of the photograph suggest a family keen to present themselves in a particular light. The presence of a dog adds a touch of warmth to the otherwise formal composition. The picture hanging in the background, showing three women, suggests the importance of domesticity. Understanding this work requires us to investigate the social and cultural values of the time. Photographs like these serve as valuable resources for understanding the aspirations and self-perceptions of families in a particular era. They are a window into the social history of America, its ideals, and its values.