Untitled (woman leaning over baby from back of bassinet) c. 1940

This photograph, by Paul Gittings, captures a mother leaning over her baby in a bassinet; it’s an 8 x 10 inch gelatin silver print. Looking at this image, I imagine the artist searching for the exact right light, the perfect angle to capture that tender connection between mother and child. The negative feels like a painting in itself, with its stark contrasts and the almost ghostly presence of the figures. I wonder what Gittings was thinking as he framed this shot. Was he a parent himself? Did he feel the weight of responsibility in preserving this intimate moment? The softness of the mother’s hair and the delicate patterns of the bassinet create a dreamlike atmosphere. It's like a scene from a classic film. It reminds me of other artists who capture fleeting moments. This piece is a timeless exploration of motherhood, love, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.