Exterieur van het paleis van Fatehpur Sikri, met links de poort Buland Darwaza 1862 - 1864

Editor: This is a gelatin-silver print by Shepherd & Robertson, taken between 1862 and 1864. It depicts the exterior of the palace of Fatehpur Sikri, and I'm struck by the grandeur of the architecture and the texture of the landscape. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The first element that strikes me is the contrast between the geometrical precision of the architecture, specifically in the Buland Darwaza archway on the left, with the seemingly more organic placement of the trees. How does the tonality, particularly the varying shades of gray achieved through the gelatin-silver process, affect your interpretation? Editor: I think the monochromatic palette emphasizes the textures and shapes. It gives a sense of timelessness and solidity to the palace, but I am curious, how does the photographic medium itself play a role in understanding this piece? Curator: The very act of capturing light and shadow through the lens allows for a certain objective record. Here, the angle chosen by Shepherd & Robertson, from a slightly lower vantage point, serves to enhance the monumental scale of the architecture. Consider also the graininess inherent in early photographic prints; this contributes to the tangible presence, a surface that speaks to the materiality of both the image and the subject itself. What might that say? Editor: That's fascinating. It's like the photograph is not just showing us the palace, but also telling us about how it was made, the technical processes, and perspective that was needed. Curator: Precisely. Furthermore, think about the composition. The division of the photograph can be split up into foreground interest to support a central ground architectural dominance, finally topped off by negative space given to the sky, further amplifying its visual grandeur. Do you now look at it any different? Editor: I do. Focusing on just the interplay between light, texture, form and materiality gave me new way of looking at this work. Thank you for taking the time! Curator: My pleasure, it's always enriching to rediscover the pure, visual dialogue offered by an artwork like this.