Portret van een bedoeïenvrouw, staand before 1905

This portrait of a Bedouin woman, standing, was produced by Khardiache Frères. It’s a photograph, so the marks aren’t made with paint, but with light and shadow, with an incredible eye for detail. The image is sepia toned, full of subtle gradations. I’m struck by the texture of her garments, especially the intricate patterns on her dress, it must have taken a lot of time to make this dress. And those earrings! Each one is slightly different from the other, they have a lovely tactile quality and they look heavy! Then there is the way the light catches the beads of her necklace. I love the way the image has been rendered, drawing the viewers eye to different aspects of her person. It is as if the artists want us to appreciate the care and attention she has given to her appearance. This image reminds me of the work of Edward Curtis, another photographer who dedicated himself to documenting indigenous peoples. Like Curtis, Khardiache Frères offer a glimpse into a world that might otherwise be lost or forgotten.