Every Friday The Psychogenealogist shares a "Pic of the Week." The intent is to encourage thought and imagination about the spaces where psychology, genealogy, and history converge.

This photo came from a curated lot of photographs from eBay. The theme of the group was “Men Working” and this gentleman caught my attention.

Hunched, paint brush in hand, this older man casts his own shadow on the side of the building, presumably his house, that he has been tasked with painting. He stares, intently, directly into the camera, held by someone who has presumably known him for a very long time.

What at first looks like a stubby cigarette dangling from his lips upon closer inspection appears to be a scratch or piece of dust. One could easily imagine him a smoker though, and a heavy one at that. His leathered and sun soaked skin conveys a sense of having worked hard, very hard at times, during his many decades of life. His sweater, buttoned neatly, is in tatters from the elbow through his wrist. This is his work wear and he wears it proudly.

Or, something like that. I obviously haven’t a clue who this man is or what his story might be. It is fun to think about though! What do you think? I would love to hear what you come up with.

QUESTIONS:

• Who is this man and what is his story?

• What year was the photograph taken?

• What was the work ethic like in your family history?

• What do you think, feel, and wonder about as you look at this man?

Featured Tag: Men