Untitled (woman in cardigan sweater and pearls holding hand of little girl on her lap) after 1940

This photograph of a woman and child was made by Paul Gittings in the United States, though the date remains unknown. Gittings was a society photographer, and portraiture of this kind spoke to the increasing prominence of a growing middle class in mid-twentieth century America. It is important to acknowledge the way in which the image uses visual codes to create meaning. The pearls, cardigan, and neatly styled hair all suggest a comfortable affluence, while the flowers in the background lend a domestic air. The photograph appears to carefully construct the sitter's identity as a respectable woman who is dedicated to her family. The social and institutional context of this photograph is key to understanding its meaning. As a society photographer, Gittings catered to a specific clientele, and his portraits reflect the values and aspirations of this group. To fully understand the image, we might use archival resources, such as magazines and newspapers, to learn more about the social norms of the time. This photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the lives and values of a particular social class in mid-twentieth century America.