Teheran Arc, Iran c. 1885 - 1910

This photograph of the Teheran Arc in Iran was taken by Antoine Sevruguin, a photographer of Armenian-Georgian-Russian heritage who lived and worked in Iran during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sevruguin's mixed heritage and position as an outsider gave him unique access to photograph Iranian society, including its ruling elite and everyday people. His photographs were often staged, reflecting both a European Orientalist gaze and a desire to document the country for local consumption. In this image, the towering arc and bustling street are juxtaposed with the presence of individuals, some of whom are herding goats. This image provides a glimpse into the economic activities of ordinary people. The contrast highlights the complexities of Iranian society during a period of modernization and Western influence. Sevruguin's work invites us to consider the dynamic interplay between identity, representation, and cultural exchange in an era of profound social change.