Untitled (portrait of young girl in pigtail braids, leaning on forearms) c. 1955

This is an undated photographic print by Paul Gittings, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. This poignant image captures a young girl with pigtail braids, leaning on her forearms. The portrait’s power lies in its evocation of childhood’s complex emotional landscape. The girl’s gaze is both innocent and knowing, embodying a sense of vulnerability. The choice of a negative print amplifies the feeling of introspection, almost as if the portrait invites the viewer to consider the inversion of societal expectations, particularly regarding the roles and representations of young women. Gittings’ work invites reflection on the historical context of portraiture, often linked to class and gender. By presenting a simple, seemingly unadorned image of a young girl, he resists traditional portrayals, offering instead a study in quiet emotion. The lack of a title further enhances the portrait's ambiguity, inviting diverse interpretations. Ultimately, this photograph becomes a contemplative space where personal identity and cultural norms intersect, prompting us to consider the subtle yet profound ways in which we perceive and understand girlhood.