Groep van mensen die zijn getroffen door hongersnood in Delhi before 1869

This photograph, by Shepherd & Robertson, documents a group of people affected by famine in Delhi. The processes involved in early photography were labor-intensive, using heavy equipment and chemical treatments to capture and fix an image. This print is an albumen silver print, using paper coated with egg white to increase its sensitivity to light, requiring considerable skill in its preparation and printing. The photograph's sepia tones and sharp focus create a haunting realism, emphasizing the textures of clothing and the bareness of the landscape. These material qualities highlight the vulnerability and desperation of the subjects, drawing attention to the social and economic conditions that led to such widespread suffering. The very act of photographing famine victims raises questions about the role of the photographer and the power dynamics inherent in documenting human suffering. By considering the material processes and social context of this photograph, we can gain a deeper understanding of its historical and ethical implications, challenging any simplistic categorization of this image as merely fine art or documentary photography.