JF Ptak Science Books   Quick Post

The intention of this pose is not clear.

Certainly there is some sort of recognition of being vigilant, of bearing witness, of some sort of fidelity, but of what sort?  The second, standing man is clearly showing respect and directing the viewer’s attention to the hand-holding of the seated couple.  Is this a mother and son, long reunited, after years apart? Or is this a married/marrying pair, age difference be damned?  In whatever case, it is the standing man and observer who seems to exhibit any sort of emotion besides dread or confusion.

It is hard to identify what Standing Man might be feeling.  Perhaps the scenario that adds all of this aspects up properly is that this is a police identification photo, and that the two seated people are a tag-team for some sort of crime, arrested together, with the arresting officer pointing them out, not the hands–in-fidelity.  This might make the most sense of all.