Untitled (portrait of woman with short brown hair, looking left) after 1940

This gelatin silver print, an untitled portrait of a woman with short brown hair, was made by Paul Gittings. The soft focus and delicate lighting invite us to consider the social and cultural context of portraiture in the early to mid-20th century. During this time, photography was gaining traction as a means of both personal and public representation, but portraiture was often the domain of the wealthy and those seeking to project a specific image. This photograph reflects the aesthetic conventions of its time, where a certain level of formality and idealization was expected. Consider how the subject is presented: her hair is neatly styled, and her gaze is directed away, perhaps suggesting modesty. To fully understand this image, one could explore photographic journals and portraiture studios of the era. The goal is to uncover the ways in which cultural values and social expectations were embedded in the art of portraiture. In doing so, we can better appreciate the complex interplay between artistic expression and institutional power.