Untitled (portrait of seated little girl holding stuffed animal under right arm) after 1940

This black and white photograph by Paul Gittings captures a young girl seated, clutching a stuffed animal. The toy, a small rabbit, is more than a simple plaything; it is a symbol of innocence, protection, and companionship. Consider the enduring image of the Madonna and Child, where the infant Christ is often cradled, signifying safety and maternal love. This motif resonates through time, echoed here in the girl’s tender embrace of her rabbit. The act of holding, the need for a comforting presence, speaks to a universal human experience. In ancient fertility rites, the rabbit symbolized abundance and new beginnings. Yet, here, its presence is softened, domesticated. The girl's expression, a mixture of serenity and vulnerability, invites us to reflect on our own memories of childhood comfort. These symbols are not static; they evolve, resurface, and take on new emotional weight across generations.