Portret van een Nepalese vrouw c. 1895 - 1915

This photograph of a Nepalese woman was taken by Theodor Paar, but the exact date is unknown. Look at the way he’s used shadow here. It's more than just light and dark; it's about how the texture of the image emerges from the process. I find myself drawn to the intricate details of her jewellery. Each bead and ornament seems to carry its own history. Notice how the light catches the metallic elements, creating a sense of depth and dimension. The layered necklaces are particularly striking. They transform the image from a simple portrait into something far more complex. There is a sense of cultural identity embedded here. This image reminds me of the photographs taken by Seydou Keïta. Both artists share an eye for detail, but also a dedication to using photography as a means of cultural preservation. Art often functions as a dialogue across time and place. It asks us to consider perspectives beyond our own.