Portret van een onbekende Turkse man en jongen in traditionele klederdracht 1865 - 1875

This is a photograph by Rubellin depicting an unknown Turkish man and boy in traditional clothing. It’s important to consider photography’s role in shaping cultural perceptions. During the 19th century, as the Ottoman Empire faced internal reforms and external pressures, images like this one played a crucial role. They circulated in Europe, often exoticizing and stereotyping people from the East, and photography studios served as vital sites for this representation, framing specific narratives. The staging, clothing, and poses all convey a sense of otherness, catering to a Western audience’s expectations and desires. Note how the subjects are presented: the man’s elaborate attire, the boy’s more subdued clothing, and their direct gaze. To understand this image, one must delve into the photographic archives and consider the broader context of Orientalism. By studying these resources, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, representation, and cultural power.