Untitled (portrait of an older woman wearing glasses and hat) c. 1940

This untitled photographic print of an older woman with glasses and a hat was created by Paul Gittings. It’s fascinating to consider how portrait photography gained traction as a tool for social representation and documentation. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, portrait studios became common places, serving a broad spectrum of society. The act of sitting for a portrait became a ritual, especially for those wanting to assert or record their place in society. Looking at this image, it is difficult to say much about it, the information around the picture is limited, we might want to think about the institutions of photography during the time this was made. What role does the portrait play in solidifying social roles? What is the relationship between the photographer and sitter? As historians, we rely on social and institutional context to illuminate the meaning of art. By looking into period photography studios and their practices, we can understand the codes and conventions that are at play in this striking portrait.