Studio portrait of two unknown Buddhist monks, Sri Lanka 1862 - 1903

This studio portrait, taken in Sri Lanka between 1862 and 1903 by W.L.H. Skeen & Co., depicts two Buddhist monks. The photograph captures the monks in a formal pose, their traditional robes and calm expressions conveying their spiritual devotion. The use of a painted backdrop suggesting a natural setting, a common practice in 19th-century photography, adds a sense of depth and context to the image. The image offers a glimpse into the lives of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka during a period of significant social and religious change.