Portret van een onbekende man uit Bhutan in Darjeeling before 1868

This photograph, taken by Benjamin Simpson, presents an oval portrait of an unknown man from Bhutan, in Darjeeling. The composition is striking in its simplicity: the subject, framed within the oval, is presented in a way that emphasizes his features and attire against a muted background. Simpson’s use of light and shadow sculpts the man’s face, drawing our attention to the contemplative gaze. The texture of his clothing adds depth to the image, contrasting with the smooth, almost ethereal quality of the oval backdrop. This is a photographic encounter, captured during a period of colonial exploration and documentation, which raises questions about representation, identity, and the power dynamics inherent in the act of portraiture. The careful arrangement of elements within the frame suggests a deliberate attempt to capture not just an image, but also an essence. The photograph invites us to consider the cultural and historical context in which it was made, and how it continues to speak to us today.