Untitled (woman leaning over baby in bassinet from side) c. 1940

This photographic image by Paul Gittings captures a woman leaning tenderly over a baby in a bassinet, a scene echoing the timeless motif of maternal love. The woman's posture, inclined and watchful, immediately brings to mind the countless depictions of mothers gazing upon their children throughout art history, particularly images of the Madonna and Child. This intimate gesture—the protective, loving gaze—resonates deeply, tapping into a shared cultural memory. We see echoes of this same nurturing posture in Renaissance paintings, ancient sculptures of fertility goddesses, and even in the simple, universal act of a parent comforting a child. Yet, the subtle vulnerability in her stance, the way her head bows slightly, also hints at the anxieties inherent in motherhood. The image evokes powerful emotions, engaging us on a subconscious level with the raw, unfiltered essence of maternal instinct. In its cyclical progression, this tender scene resurfaces, reminding us of the enduring power of love and protection across time.