Portret van Engelse vrienden van Joseph Cheetham op een sofa te Sereda in Rusland 1903 - 1904

This photograph by Joseph Cheetham captures a moment of camaraderie between English friends in Sereda, Russia. It's a glimpse into a specific social circle, likely involving individuals connected through trade or diplomatic relations between England and Russia. The three men are lounging in a domestic setting, which offers an intimate look into early 20th-century social life among expatriates. The men are relaxed, and the image suggests a shared identity shaped by class and nationality. What does it mean to find oneself as an expat in the early 20th century? What does it mean to find a sense of home and belonging in each other? The photograph may reflect narratives of cultural exchange but also hints at the dynamics of power and privilege inherent in such encounters. Consider how the act of photographing itself plays into these dynamics, capturing and framing the subjects within a specific visual narrative. This image invites us to reflect on the personal dimensions of international relations and the everyday interactions that shape broader historical narratives.