Untitled (portrait of little girl touching her reflection in mirror) c. 1955

Paul Gittings made this "Untitled" photograph, part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums, sometime in the 20th century. In this silvery print, a young girl gazes at her reflection in a mirror, reaching out to touch her own image. The picture is a poignant exploration of identity and self-perception, viewed through the lens of childhood innocence. The girl's dress and pose suggest a careful construction of self, perhaps influenced by societal expectations around feminine presentation. What does it mean to see oneself reflected, and to recognize one's image as both familiar and foreign? By capturing this quiet moment of self-discovery, Gittings invites us to consider the complex interplay between identity, representation, and personal narrative. The photograph prompts us to reflect on our own experiences of self-recognition, and the ways in which our identities are shaped by the world around us.