Untitled (portrait of little girl with bow in curly hair) after 1940

This gelatin silver print, showing a young girl with a bow, was made by Paul Gittings. It speaks to the role of photography in shaping social perceptions and documenting cultural norms. As a photographic portrait, the image participates in the visual codes of its time, evoking notions of innocence, purity, and domesticity, commonly associated with childhood in the mid-20th century. The bow and the dress may signify a particular social class, reflecting aspirations and values of that specific group. This work can be better understood with more information about the artist’s studio. Archival records like studio ledgers, client correspondence, and even fashion magazines from the time, will contextualize this image within a network of social and institutional practices. The portrait isn't just an aesthetic object; it's a cultural artifact that reveals broader patterns of social life.