Untitled (girl in feathered hat looking back over shoulder) c. 1940

Paul Gittings made this photograph of a girl in a feathered hat, but the date is unknown. The photograph's ethereal quality hints at the cultural meanings of portraiture in the past. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photography became increasingly accessible, and many middle-class families began commissioning portraits. Yet, the style of portraiture persisted in imitating painting, with many photographers employing soft focus and dark room manipulation to create an aura of timelessness and beauty. In America, photographic societies promoted the idea that photography could be an art form. The girl's hat and pose may reflect a desire to emulate aristocratic styles. To understand the cultural context of this image better, we could look into the archives of photography studios of the time, including Gittings's own business records, to explore how they marketed their services.