Four Young Men Drinking Coffee or Tea c. 1867 - 1910

Kassian Céphas captured "Four Young Men Drinking Coffee or Tea" with albumen silver print. The sepia tones and the meticulous arrangement of the subjects create a tableau vivant that invites contemplation. The composition is structured around a horizontal plane where the young men gather. The lines of the wooden backdrop create a subtle vertical counterpoint. The contrast of light and shadow emphasizes the textures of the clothing and skin, adding depth to the otherwise muted palette. The act of sharing a drink becomes a semiotic symbol. The positioning of the book hints at a moment of shared learning or storytelling, suggesting themes of intellectual exchange and cultural transmission. The photograph's formal qualities extend beyond mere representation. The image invites us to consider how the artist frames and constructs cultural narratives, and how these constructions reflect and shape our understanding of identity and community.