Untitled (boy in suit standing at mantel) 1935

This photograph, by Paul Gittings, presents a boy in a suit standing at a mantelpiece. The photographic process itself is key here. Photography in the mid-20th century, when Gittings was active, involved careful control of lighting, posing, and darkroom techniques to create a desired image. Consider the materiality of the photograph: the glossy surface, the contrast between light and shadow. These qualities are not inherent but achieved through technical expertise and manipulation. Gittings was known for society portraits, catering to an elite clientele. The image suggests a certain level of social aspiration, visible in the boy's attire and the domestic setting. Gittings’ work reflects the culture of display and status that photography enabled, and the complex relationship between representation, labor, and class. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to consider the layers of intention and craft involved in creating seemingly straightforward portraits.