Gate of Rajah's Palace, Benares, India 1880

Marianne North captured this view of the Gate of Rajah's Palace in Benares, India, using oil on canvas. North was a singular figure, a woman traveling alone in the mid-19th century, documenting the flora of various countries with scientific precision. At the time, India was under British colonial rule, a power dynamic that inevitably shaped North’s experiences and perceptions. Her paintings, while seemingly objective, exist within the context of this colonial gaze. The presence of local figures adds a human element, yet they remain somewhat anonymous, hinting at the complex relationship between the artist and her subjects. Despite the inherent power dynamics, the painting evokes a sense of wonder and respect for the architecture and the culture it represents. It serves as both a historical document and a personal reflection, inviting us to consider the intertwined histories of colonialism, art, and individual experience.