Untitled (portrait of older woman, retouched) after 1940

This portrait of an older woman, retouched and of unknown date, was made by Paul Gittings. Consider the era of formal portraiture, where capturing an idealized image was more valued than raw authenticity. Gittings, a prominent photographer, catered to high society, capturing the likenesses of debutantes, businessmen, and political figures. This photograph, like many of Gittings' works, has been retouched to soften wrinkles and blemishes, fitting into the cultural demand for an ageless image, particularly for women. Look closely at the woman’s eyes; can you see a hint of the original lines around her eyes that the artist chose to leave in? The photograph walks a fine line between reality and the constructed image. This portrait encapsulates the complex relationship between identity, representation, and societal expectations. In its careful retouching, it invites us to reflect on the ever-present tension between aging, visibility, and the desire to be seen in a certain light.