Untitled (girl in performing (?) outfit with cape and feathered hat in front of window) c. 1940

This photograph, by Paul Gittings, captures a moment of performance, likely created with a large format camera and glass plate negative. Photographs such as this one rely on the manipulation of light through careful attention to the development process. Gittings’ choice of costume and setting imbues the work with cultural significance. The girl’s elaborate costume, with its cape and feathered hat, evoke a sense of theater. The costume itself, with its intricate details, speaks to the skilled labor required to produce such garments. The materials used – feathers, fabric, and embellishments – each carry their own histories of production and consumption. The photograph invites us to consider the social context in which it was made, hinting at the theatrical traditions and cultural values of the time. By focusing on the materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper understanding of this photograph, appreciating its value as a piece of visual culture and as a record of performance.