The Man of the Moment by George Ranstead
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The Man of the Moment by George Ranstead
The Man of the Moment, a local grocer, is depicted wearing expensive clothes and smoking a fat cigar. Shopkeepers were often accused of profiteering during the Great War and were frequently satirised
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Media ID 4456371
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10412080
Cane Cheat Cigar Expensive Grocer Profit Profiteer Profiteering Ranstead Shop Keeper Shopkeepers
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Man of the Moment: A Local Grocer Amidst the Great War's Uncertainties This evocative image, titled 'The Man of the Moment,' by renowned British photographer George Ranstead, captures the essence of a local grocer during the tumultuous years of the First World War. The shopkeeper, dressed in expensive clothing and adorned with a top hat, cane, and a fat cigar clenched between his teeth, exudes an air of wealth and self-importance. Yet, beneath the surface, his image conceals a more complex and controversial reality. During the Great War, shopkeepers, particularly grocers, were frequently accused of profiteering and price gouging. The shortages and rationing caused by the war led to inflated prices for essential goods, making the grocer a symbol of greed and exploitation. The public's disdain for these businessmen was further fueled by the widespread belief that they were hoarding supplies and reaping exorbitant profits. Ranstead's photograph, taken in the early 1900s, is a satirical commentary on the public's perception of shopkeepers during this time. The cat, perched on the grocer's lap, adds a touch of whimsy and lightness to the otherwise serious scene. However, it also serves as a reminder of the human element in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of war. This historical print, with its rich detail and intriguing narrative, offers a glimpse into the past and sheds light on the complexities of life during the Great War. The image invites us to reflect on the role of the grocer in society, and the ways in which public perception can shape our understanding of historical figures and events.
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