Old Mr. Buck
Click here to view it larger.
What it is:
Carte de visite (CDV) measuring a bit less than 2.5 x 3.75 inches.
What I know about it:
Written on the back in pencil is Edward A. Buck.
Comments:
Hold this little photo in your hand and his face looks a bit alarming, with hauntingly sinister eyes. Enlarge the scan and it looks warm and amused, with a faint smile and bright, laughing eyes. I’m hoping that in person he was more like the latter. In any case, this is quite a face to find staring back at you across time.
Pics of Then 
That’s one of the reasons I love photographs. We think they’re inherently real, but the angle, the size, the lighting all make changes that wildly vary our interpretations.
He looks to me as though he is a goofball of an uncle. Twinkle of mischief, and all that.
It’s amazing how much of a difference such seemingly insignificant variations can make.
I can see what you mean about this image. I too found it somehow alarming. But when I look closer, I can see a humorous glint in his eyes. That generous mouth…he would probably look so much different when truly smiling. Very captivating image.
I’m glad you see what I mean. Faces resonate differently with different people, of course, but I think this guy’s face leaves you with different reactions the longer you stare at it. 🙂