Groepsportret van ca. 20 Iraniërs van het (half-)nomadische volk Lors, Lourestan, Iran ["Lors a Lourestan"] c. 1885 - 1910

This group portrait of around twenty Iranian men from the semi-nomadic Lor people was captured by Antoine Sevruguin, a photographer of Armenian-Georgian heritage who lived and worked in Iran during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sevruguin's photographs offer us a glimpse into the diverse social fabric of Iran during a period of significant cultural and political change. In this photograph, the men are arranged in a formal composition, their attire reflecting the distinct cultural identity of the Lor people. The elaborate embroidery and unique headdresses speak to the community’s rich artistic traditions. However, such images also raise questions about representation and power dynamics. Whose gaze are these men returning? Are they active participants or passive subjects? The act of photographing itself was often intertwined with colonial power. Sevruguin’s work, while providing valuable historical documentation, also participated in constructing an image of Iran for Western audiences. Consider how the photograph invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between identity, representation, and cultural exchange. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of how photography shapes our understanding of ourselves and others.