On the easel...

[perezfan]

It makes me want to learn more as well. I have to plead complete ignorance on this subject matter, so will briefly asked here...

Why is he on his knees?
Why is his face painted (like a reverse of Al Jolson?)
Why does it look like he's just posing (as opposed to actually preparing to swing?)
What is the significance of the child in the background (if any?)

Since I didn't see any of these answers above, I am hoping someone here can address. I can feel the sadness and futility, but my curiosity of the actual content is getting the better of me