AA-2026-E7A0CD
On the image
A man leans against a streetlamp, wearing a wide-brimmed cowboy hat, which in the 1970s was a versatile accessory capable of signalling anything from rebel outsider to thoughtful troubadour. He has adopted a contemplative pose, suggesting deep thoughts or, more likely, a mild ache in his lower back from standing.
Behind him, a substantial steel truss bridge spans a wide river, carrying vehicular traffic. This combination of natural backdrop and industrial infrastructure was considered deeply photogenic, providing a rugged authenticity to anyone standing in front of it, especially if they were wearing a hat.
He stands there, perhaps waiting for something, perhaps just enjoying the brisk air, confident that the camera is capturing something profound. What it primarily captures is the timeless human desire to look interesting while doing absolutely nothing important.
The historian's note
The image captures a man standing outdoors next to a lamppost, with a large truss bridge spanning a river in the background, typical of infrastructure found across North America during the latter half of the 20th century.
The fashion, particularly the wide-brimmed hat and casual sweater, places the scene firmly within the 1970s, a decade known for its relaxed style and a burgeoning interest in outdoor leisure and Americana.
The setting, a blend of natural landscape and man-made structures, reflects the common visual motifs of the era, where industrial elements were often integrated into scenic views. The specific location of the bridge and river remains unidentified, though its type is characteristic of many regional transportation arteries of the period.
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Visually related — by likeness
Man in Cowboy Hat by River and Truss Bridge, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-E7A0CD. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/man-in-cowboy-hat-by-river-and-truss-bridge-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026E7A0CD,
title = {Man in Cowboy Hat by River and Truss Bridge, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-E7A0CD},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/man-in-cowboy-hat-by-river-and-truss-bridge-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Man in Cowboy Hat by River and Truss Bridge, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-E7A0CD UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/man-in-cowboy-hat-by-river-and-truss-bridge-1970s ER -
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