Untitled (young man in uniform seated in front of oval mirror) c. 1940

This photograph of a young man in uniform, seated in front of a mirror, was created by Paul Gittings. Although the date is unknown, Gittings was known for his portraiture work that often captured the elite echelons of society. Here, the mirror is not merely a reflective surface, but a device that doubles the man's presence. It makes me consider how the artist captures not just an individual, but also an idea of masculinity deeply intertwined with military service, especially at a time when concepts of patriotism and heroism were being aggressively promoted. The image is striking in its presentation of power and self-assuredness. The uniform is immaculate, and the gaze confident, inviting us to contemplate the role of identity and the narratives we construct around ourselves. The man's image is not just a portrait, but a carefully constructed statement about identity, expectation, and perhaps, the weight of societal roles.