A seated man with a massive, wildly voluminous white afro-style mane that extends well beyond the width of his shoulders dominates this cabinet card, photographed by Wesner at 127 W. First Street, Los Angeles, California, almost certainly in the 1880s or early 1890s based on the studio's known period of operation. The image was almost certainly made as a promotional portrait, as the theatrical scale of the hair is clearly the intended subject.

The subject wears a formal black evening suit with satin lapels, a matching waistcoat with a row of buttons, a white shirt, and a black bow tie, giving him the appearance of a performer or showman. He rests his right elbow on a floral-upholstered prop block, one hand raised to his cheek in a studied pose, a ring visible on his left hand, and his gaze directed slightly upward with a composed, self-assured expression.

The pairing of formal evening dress with the theatrically outsized hair strongly suggests this individual was a sideshow attraction, circus performer, or variety entertainer who used the portrait for publicity or sale to audiences.

The reverse bears a penciled dealer notation reading "DG / $45.00" in the upper right corner.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer