Untitled (portrait of woman in hat standing with arms crossd, carrying pocketbook and gloves) after 1940

This photograph, currently without a title, was created by Paul Gittings. The image presents a striking portrait in monochrome. The composition is dominated by the figure of a woman, her arms crossed, creating a sense of enclosure and formality. Gittings masterfully employs shadow and light to sculpt the form. Notice how the light catches the brim of her hat, casting a dramatic shadow across her face. The woman's attire—a dark dress adorned with a brooch, gloves, and a structured handbag—speaks to a particular era and its codes of presentation. Yet, the formal arrangement transcends mere representation, inviting a reading into the semiotics of appearance and identity. The tension between concealment and revelation is palpable. Consider how this photograph challenges fixed notions of portraiture. It serves not just as a record, but as an exploration of the self. This is achieved through controlled lighting and composition. Here, form and content converge to create a discourse on self-presentation and perception.