Apology by John Gutmann (1938)

The photograph titled “Apology” by John Gutmann was taken in San Francisco in the year 1938. It captures an etching on a concrete surface. The message carved into the concrete reads: “You my best PAL I ever had. I’m Sorry I did you wrong Glenn From Clarence.” The script appears to be written by hand, and there’s an underline beneath the name “Clarence.” The text conveys a sense of regret and is a personal appeal for forgiveness from Clarence to Glenn, suggesting a story of friendship and remorse behind this simple yet poignant inscription. The concrete’s texture and the quality of the etching suggest it has been there for some time, with the elements slightly eroding the edges of the letters.

Other Photographs from John Gutmann

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