The theorist examines the picture with the superiority
typical of an intellectual aristocrat. Crossed legs, long socks,
shiny polished shoes, limp hands, buttoned waistcoat
and a slightly tilted head – slightly heavy in proportion to the body
– are all part of the essential armoury of the intellectual.
The part between the protruding nose and the protruding chin
needs no cover-up by a fattened moustache. He is about to build
a theory from the data of the specialist sitting next to him,
a theory that cannot be undermined by positivism or structuralism.

In the background is a hunched restaurateur
who carries the whole profession in his waistcoat pocket
next to his tobacco holder. Leaning forward, unable
to keep a healthy distance from the image under scrutiny.
His sensitive receptors can pick out the finest details,
yet he cannot rise to the level of context.
A dropped shoulder is a badge of plebeianism,
a chin with a tap is an expression of instinct,
an umbrella moustache is an expression of loyalty.
He supplies data for a story of which he is merely an extra,
while the Brain uses him as an eye.