It is puzzling to see what he could be examining on his spectacles once he'd removed it. A case of 'chicken or egg'?

 

The only source of some sunlight in his dingy apartment was this bedroom with a door opening to a small balcony. Leaving a few inches gap between him and the wall helped define his right forehead, cheekbone and shoulder.  This avoids him blending with the background and brings in depth to the image.