Untitled (girl resting head on arm) c. 1950

This is an untitled photographic print of a young girl resting her head on her arm, made by Paul Gittings. Gittings was known for his society portraits of adults and children. This portrait, while seemingly straightforward, is steeped in cultural expectations and gendered performances of femininity. The girl's pose, her neatly styled hair, and the delicate flower adorning her head all contribute to a cultivated image of innocence and beauty, reflective of the values prized in young girls. The soft focus and gentle lighting enhances this feeling, but the girl's direct gaze adds a layer of complexity. Is she complicit in this representation, or is there a hint of defiance in her eyes? Consider the societal pressures on young girls to conform to particular ideals of appearance and behavior, and how photography can both reinforce and subvert these norms. This image invites us to reflect on the emotional world of young girls, caught between societal expectations and their own developing sense of self.