Untitled (photograph of Gittings photo: "The Inquiring Pooch") c. 1970

This is an untitled photograph by Paul Gittings, of his original photograph, “The Inquiring Pooch.” Gittings was a portrait photographer, and while we might initially see this image as a sweet depiction of a boy and his dog, it’s important to consider the social context of portraiture at the time. These kinds of portraits were often commissioned by affluent families to solidify their social standing, reflecting a certain aspiration to project an image of innocence and purity. The boy, posed formally on a stone balustrade, presents a composed facade, yet there's a palpable tension. His grip on the dog seems almost too firm, a subtle assertion of control and ownership. Do we see affection, or a performance of affection, for the camera's gaze? These seemingly straightforward portraits speak volumes about the era's complex interplay between societal expectations, class, and the carefully curated image of self.