Untitled (little girl in dress holding mother's hand in living room as she leans forward) c. 1955

This photograph by Paul Gittings captures a mother gently guiding her young daughter forward. The gesture of the mother's hand, reaching out to the child, is a profound symbol that has resonated through art history. Think of the hand of God reaching out to Adam in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel; a divine spark of life, mirrored in this scene of maternal care. This motif transcends the purely religious; the protective gesture is echoed in countless images of care and guidance. Yet, here, the inverted tones of the photograph adds a layer of psychological depth. It creates a ghostly atmosphere, making the scene evoke themes of memory. The image touches something primal in our collective psyche: the vulnerability of childhood, the ever-present need for protection, and the hope we project onto future generations. The hand, a symbol of connection, becomes a lifeline, a silent promise of safety in an uncertain world. It is a poignant reminder of our shared human experience, echoing through the corridors of time.