Untitled (woman holding hat and waving standing by pool with lily pads) c. 1940

This gelatin silver print by Paul Gittings captures a woman in a garden, her raised hand frozen mid-wave and hat held at her side. Consider the gesture of the raised hand. It's a visual echo across time, reminiscent of classical antiquity where it symbolized greeting, departure, or benediction. Think of Roman orators, their arms raised to command attention, to sway crowds with eloquent persuasion. This gesture isn't merely physical; it's a cultural script, deeply embedded in our collective memory. This symbolic act has evolved; it has resurfaced in religious contexts as a sign of blessing, in political rallies as a call to action, and in everyday life as a simple hello. Yet, its essence remains: a primal, almost instinctual need to connect. So, when we see the woman waving, are we merely observing a friendly gesture? Or are we witnessing a powerful, timeless expression of human connection? The image offers a glimpse into the cyclical progression of symbols, constantly evolving, and taking on new meanings across time.