Untitled (woman leaning over baby in crib, teddy bear next to baby) after 1940

This is an untitled photograph by Paul Gittings, and its traditional silver gelatin print connects it to the history of photographic portraiture. Yet, beyond its surface appearance, its real significance lies in what it can tell us about its historical period, specifically the ways in which women’s work was represented. Notice the woman leaning over the crib. The photo captures a tender moment between mother and child, yet also speaks to the social expectations placed on women as caregivers. Consider, too, the material context. The photograph itself is a mass-produced object, and it is through its status as a reproducible medium that it acquires much of its power. It circulated widely, shaping perceptions of motherhood and domesticity. The soft focus and delicate tones contribute to the sentimental mood, but also reveal how photography was also a tool for reinforcing norms of gender and class. Ultimately, the photograph challenges us to reflect on the ways in which images are constructed, and the social forces that shape our understanding of art and life.