Portret van sir Burke Douglas Cuppage c. 1860 - 1865

This is Henry Mullins' portrait of Sir Burke Douglas Cuppage. Though undated, it is likely that it was produced sometime in the mid-19th century. This albumen print offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the British aristocracy, a class deeply entwined with the structures of colonial power. Cuppage is pictured in military attire, his posture and attire speaking to a life dedicated to the service of empire. His gaze is direct, conveying authority and a sense of duty. Consider the gaze of the colonized, how might they have perceived this image of power? What narratives were silenced by such representations? This image serves not just as a personal memento but as a marker of societal values, class, and the complicated legacy of imperialism.