Untitled (studio portrait of girl in patterned shirt with gun in holster) 1954

Paul Gittings captured this studio portrait of a young girl, dressed in a patterned shirt and jeans, with a toy gun in a holster. The photograph offers a glimpse into childhood and cultural norms. The girl’s attire and pose reflect societal expectations and gender roles. The presence of the toy gun introduces complex themes of play, violence, and identity formation. There is an ambivalence that pervades the image. A staged backdrop softens and domesticates any narrative the holster might suggest. It prompts questions about innocence and the early introduction of children to cultural symbols of power. The photograph invites us to reflect on the ways in which we understand identity through the lens of play and performance. What are the emotional implications of children engaging with such symbols, and how do these early experiences shape their understanding of the world?