Teheran, Avenue Alarbouleh [?], Iran c. 1880 - 1910

Antoine Sevruguin captured this photograph of Teheran's Avenue Alarbouleh in Iran during the late 19th or early 20th century. The sepia tones evoke a sense of the past, a timeless quality in the composition. The composition is structured by the receding lines of the avenue, creating a clear linear perspective that draws the eye into the distance. The wall on the left, with its rhythmic series of arches, contrasts with the organic forms of the trees lining the street, setting up a dialogue between constructed and natural elements. This formal arrangement also alludes to the cultural and social structures of the time, subtly referencing urban development and the interaction between public and private spaces. Sevruguin's calculated use of light and shadow serves not only to define the forms but also to imbue the scene with a sense of place and history. As a formal quality, the photograph encourages us to reflect on how urban environments shape our perceptions and experiences.