Untitled (two men in suits and boutonnieres descend staircase) c. 1940

Paul Gittings captured this gelatin silver print, now at the Harvard Art Museums, presenting two men descending a staircase. The boutonnieres, small floral arrangements on their lapels, are particularly intriguing, as flowers have a rich history as symbols of emotion, celebration, and remembrance. Consider how floral motifs appear in ancient Roman funerary art, adorning sarcophagi to symbolize hope and rebirth. In medieval tapestries, flowers often signified courtly love and virtue. Yet, here, the boutonnieres worn by these men evoke something more subdued, perhaps a formal occasion with underlying unspoken feelings. The staircase itself adds another layer. The act of descending can represent a transition or a journey into the unknown. These symbols are not fixed; they evolve and reappear across cultures and epochs, shaped by our collective memory and subconscious desires. They offer a glimpse into the complex interplay between individual expression and the enduring power of symbols across time.