[The Countess Canning, Simla] 1861

"The Countess Canning, Simla" is a portrait photograph taken by Jean Baptiste Oscar Mallitte in 1861, currently held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The image depicts the Countess Canning, wife of the Governor-General of India, standing in an elegant pose, her dress and accessories reflecting the fashion of the Victorian era. The photograph captures the Countess's presence and dignity while also offering a glimpse into the social life of the British elite in colonial India. The use of a simple backdrop and a wicker chair, possibly from the region, highlights the figure of the Countess, creating a striking image.