Drie Gurung mannen uit Nepal before 1868

This vintage photograph captures ‘Three Gurung men from Nepal’ by Benjamin Simpson. Its sepia tones cast a warm, nostalgic glow over the scene, highlighting the textures of the men’s clothing and the rugged terrain behind them. Simpson employs a formal, almost anthropological, approach to composition. The subjects are carefully arranged to convey both individual character and group identity. The play of light and shadow emphasizes the geometric forms within the scene, particularly the triangular arrangement of the figures which creates a sense of stability and balance. This photograph functions not merely as a record but as a semiotic text. Through the structured composition, Simpson invites us to consider the cultural codes at play—the sitters’ clothing, the tools, and the landscape. It prompts us to reflect on how such visual elements construct and communicate meaning, challenging any fixed interpretation and instead engaging with evolving perspectives on representation and identity.