Portret van twee onbekende Rohilla mannen uit Berar 1862

This photographic print by James Mulheran captures two Rohilla men from Berar. While photography may seem purely representational, the materials and processes involved are deeply revealing. This is likely an albumen print, a process popular in the 19th century. It starts with paper coated with egg white to create a smooth surface. Then, a negative is placed on the prepared paper, and exposed to light. The resulting print has a distinctive sepia tone and a slightly glossy surface, which you can observe here. The albumen process was labor-intensive, demanding skill in preparing the paper and controlling exposure. Photography at this time was often used to document and classify people, particularly in colonial contexts. This image, while seemingly a straightforward portrait, reflects the photographer's presence and the power dynamics inherent in capturing the likeness of these men. So next time you look at a photograph, consider the layers of material and social history embedded within the image.