The only mention I've found of the Comet Photo Studio in Fall River, MA, printed on the back of this real photo postcard, is from 1921, so I'd guess this dates to around then. I'm not entirely sure what's going on here, but I have learned a bit about the history of the "dunce cap" - the name of which apparently derived from that of 16th century Scottish theologian and philosopher John Duns Scotus, who recommended the wearing of conical hats to stimulate the brain! Whether the wearer in this photo is attempting to channel extra brain power as he pours invisible liquid from bottle to graduated beaker (?) I am not sure, but he certainly looks pleased to be doing so. Handwritten on the back, like a title, is simply "A Photographer," which makes me wonder if somehow the photo refers to the seemingly magic act of producing an image with chemicals in a darkroom--or the folly of this particular photographer's endeavor and/or need for a drink!?
5 1/4" x 3 1/4" and in very good condition.
