Sir Richard Collinson before 1876

This photograph of Sir Richard Collinson is by Lock & Whitfield, it is an albumen print within a book. During the Victorian era, portraiture was a powerful tool for constructing and reinforcing social hierarchies. This image of Collinson, likely commissioned to commemorate his achievements, reflects the era's emphasis on masculinity, and the values associated with exploration and imperial service. Consider how Collinson's identity as an explorer is inseparable from the history of British colonialism. His expeditions were not merely about geographical discovery but were also intertwined with asserting British power, mapping trade routes, and exploiting resources in distant lands. This portrait then, invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between individual identity, national ambition, and the legacy of colonialism.