Portret van een onbekende Newah-man uit Nepal before 1868

This is a portrait of an unknown Newah man from Nepal, made by Benjamin Simpson using photography, a relatively new technology at the time. The photographic process itself, with its careful attention to lighting, exposure, and development, influenced the image’s appearance. The subject’s expression and pose are carefully controlled, resulting in a formal and somewhat detached representation. The inscription on the photograph labels the subject as part of the "slave population," highlighting the social and political context in which the image was produced. Simpson's work raises questions about the power dynamics inherent in the act of photographing marginalized communities. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making, and context of this photograph challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the social and political implications embedded within the image.