Untitled (portrait of young girl with three roses on table before her) c. 1940

This photographic portrait by Paul Gittings captures a young girl with three roses before her, symbols laden with cultural significance. The rose, universally recognized as a symbol of love and beauty, traces its roots back to ancient mythologies. In Greek lore, it’s associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love, forever linking the flower with passion. Yet, the presence of three roses could signify a trio of virtues or stages. Consider the ‘pensive’ gesture, reminiscent of classical depictions of philosophers and thinkers. How often do we see this gesture mirrored through ages, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings, each time conveying thoughtfulness? This gesture connects the young girl to a lineage of intellectual contemplation. The image evokes a sense of fleeting innocence, prompting us to reflect on how symbols shift, loop, and resurface, echoing through history and art.