Landschap met rivier met uiterwaarden en heuvels op de achtergrond, Iran c. 1880 - 1910

Antoine Sevruguin made this photograph of a river landscape in Iran at an unknown date. This image presents us with more than just a view; it gives us a window into the social and cultural dynamics of late 19th and early 20th century Iran, where photography was gaining prominence as both an artistic medium and a tool for documentation. The photograph, with its intricate network of waterways, might reflect the socio-economic importance of irrigation in a semi-arid country. Sevruguin, as a photographer of Armenian-Georgian heritage working in Iran, occupied a unique position, bridging local and European cultures. His work gained popularity among both Iranians and European tourists and officials. The photograph thus exists at the intersection of local Iranian life and the gaze of outsiders, and institutions like commercial studios played a vital role in shaping photographic practices. Understanding this image fully requires us to consider the photographer's background, the function of photographic studios, and the cultural values of the time. Delving into these research areas allows us to truly understand the complex layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple landscape.