Untitled (studio portrait of man and woman in riding outfits, Dallas, Texas) c. 1932

This studio portrait by Paul Gittings, captures a man and woman in riding outfits, likely taken in Dallas, Texas. Both figures are adorned in hats, suits, and ties, sartorial symbols that speak to a desire to present themselves in a certain light. The act of dressing in riding outfits is interesting in itself. Horse riding has ancient roots in hunting and warfare, later evolving into a sport and a leisure activity for the upper classes. These outfits may allude to a sense of mastery, control, and freedom, suggesting an aspiration to these ideals, even if their daily lives do not involve horses. The choice of clothing becomes a powerful form of expression. The symbols they wear are not static; they are living entities that evolve with each use, carrying echoes of past meanings while adapting to new social and personal contexts. This photograph is not merely a record of attire, but a glimpse into the complex interplay between self-presentation, cultural aspiration, and the enduring power of symbolic expression.