Four tough guys
Click here to view it larger.
What it is:
Photo measuring 4.75 x 3.75 inches, glued to a black photo album page that has three other photos on it.
What I know about it:
Undated and unidentified. (The other photos show a domed building, a frozen waterfall, and fenced-in deer, which don’t help me much. Maybe someday I’ll figure out the building.)
Comments:
Why do I get the feeling the photographer snapped this picture on a dare?
Pics of Then 
they look like unsavory characters!
They definitely do! And they don’t look too happy that their picture is being taken.
The second guy from the left wants to eat your face. Yikes.
I know, snap the picture and run!
That’s my impression!
Yep.
and the funny thing is, that guy looks like the youngest! Something to prove, maybe?
Could be. Or at least the one who hasn’t mellowed with age.
This is simply fabulous.
Thanks! Glad you like it.
I say 1920’s. If the lefthand guy wasn’t a bootlegger’s goon, Hollywood had been leading me astray for years.
Tee hee. Yes, I so agree with you Mrs H! Great photo Matt – really great!
Heh heh, thanks Catherine!
You’re probably right on the date. And frankly, you’re probably right on the character analysis.
What are you all talking about? We’re just a couple of guys from New York enjoying the nice weather. Bootlegging? Didn’t anyone ever tell you there’s no such thing as the Mafia. Now get lost…before I mess up your face!
Yep, yep, that’s right, nothing to see here, move along.
Whoa! Talk about an impact this photo brings. I love everything about this photo, Matt. It’s got to my favorite of all your images so far. Incredible and so cool. They look so shifty…and those sleek black leather gloves everyone is wearing make me think that even more!
Not sure how old it is or if it would be in the public domain, but would you mind if I saved this photo to use for reference for a possible drawing or painting? I find it inspiring and would love to draw one or all of these guys sometime. I’ll understand if you’d rather not, but I thought I’d ask. Awesome photo and a great post! I love your comment on it too.
Hi Jenna. I’m glad you like it! It’s rather evocative, isn’t it? Yes, feel free to save it and draw from it or whatever you’d like. I’d be curious to see the results if you do. Enjoy!
Thank you so much for letting me save this image. Should be great fun to draw or paint these tough guys. I’ll be sure and let you know if I do something with it. I appreciate it, Matt. 🙂
Of course, Jenna, and thanks for asking. I look forward to seeing the results.
Hi Matt,
I just wanted to thank you again for sharing this wonderful photo with me so I could draw it. It was calling out to me and I tackled it last weekend with ink. You can check out my drawing of this image at my blog. http://thecozyred.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/tough-guys/
Thanks again! It was an absolute joy to draw these four fellows in all their splendor. 🙂
You’re very welcome, Jenna! And thanks in return for the kind words about my blog. I’m glad you enjoyed the photo, and I love seeing what you’ve done with it.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you like my drawing. Thanks again, Matt. 🙂