Lanky boy from Yonkers
What it is:
Cabinet card measuring 4.25 x 6.5 inches.
What I know about it:
Photographer is Frazier of Yonkers, New York. Otherwise undated and unidentified.
Comments:
This kid is so all-around narrow that, if it weren’t for the perspective provided by that beast of a piece of furniture, I might assume it was some trick of the camera. The poor guy is dressed nicely, but doesn’t seem to know what to do with himself. I can picture the photographer saying, “I don’t know, try putting your elbow somewhere on that thing there, and try to look natural.” And just what is that thing? I think it’s some sort of antique cabinet. I’ve seen similar items in museums, and I actually think it’s pretty cool. But there’s something about the way it seems to be tilting half out of the picture, and the way it stands in almost garish contrast to the subtle (if oh-so-fake) backdrop, that makes the whole composition of the photo seem a bit ill-conceived to me.
Pics of Then 
I love old photographs! I like the way you described what you see in this picture as well.
Thank you!