You get the sense that this guy was far too busy, and imagined himself far too important, for this photograph. Someone had to take it from the side, in a hurry.

I wonder if that building still stands. What do you think took place there?

I like to think it was a haberdashery, and that this is his new hat. Maybe his tailor is around the corner. That jacket looks a bit big. Maybe that's why he's not addressing the camera.

You seldom consider the insecurities that might have been at play in old photographs.

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