Portret van een derwisj c. 1880 - 1895

This is a photograph of a man, titled 'Portret van een derwisj', captured by Antoine Sevruguin. The sepia tones dominate, casting the subject in a light that feels both historical and intimate. Sevruguin focuses on the man's face and upper body, drawing us into the details of his visage and attire. Notice how the textures of his turban and the embroidery on his garment suggest a rich visual language. The soft gradations of light and shadow model the contours of his face, inviting us to see not just an image but a human presence. The composition relies on a delicate balance between light and dark, revealing a play between surface and depth. Through his choice of tonal range, Sevruguin encourages us to consider the symbolic weight of representation, and how portraits might function as cultural artifacts. The photograph invites ongoing interpretation about identity, representation, and the gaze.