Ethiopian Monarch c. 1897 - 1902

"Ethiopian Monarch" is a striking photographic portrait by F. Holland Day, created between 1897 and 1902. The image features a young Ethiopian man, partially clothed and adorned with a feathered headpiece, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a sense of quiet dignity. Day, known for his evocative and highly stylized photographs, used a circular format to isolate the subject against a dark background, enhancing the sense of drama and mystique. The photograph's composition and the subject's enigmatic expression evoke a sense of both strength and vulnerability, highlighting Day's interest in exploring themes of beauty, identity, and cultural difference.