Nassredebin Shah, Lar, Iran c. 1880 - 1910

This photograph, titled "Nassredebin Shah, Lar, Iran", was taken by Antoine Sevruguin, during the late 19th or early 20th century. Sevruguin, of mixed Armenian, Georgian, and Russian heritage, operated a prominent commercial photography studio in Tehran, Iran. His work provides invaluable insights into the social fabric of Persia under the Qajar dynasty. He was a keen observer of a society undergoing transformation, documenting the lives of people from various social strata. Here, we see three figures formally arranged. The photograph offers a glimpse into the power dynamics of the period, with the figures’ clothes alluding to class and societal roles. Sevruguin's lens captures not only the visual details of his subjects but also a sense of their presence. The photograph is more than a historical document; it offers an intimate look at individuals navigating a complex social landscape. It reminds us of photography's capacity to both reflect and shape our understanding of history and identity.