Gezicht op Noorbaksh ki Kothe in Lucknow before 1874

This is a photograph of Noorbaksh ki Kothe in Lucknow, made by Darogha Ubbas Alli, using a process that was still relatively new at the time. Photography, like other industrial arts, is fundamentally about production. Consider the labor involved: from mining materials to the making of the camera and photographic plates, to the final print. In this image, the silver gelatin printing process imbues the photo with a range of tonal values and subtle textures. This reflects the social and cultural context of Lucknow, at a time when photography was used to document architecture and urban landscapes. Alli’s technique reflects a blend of artistic and industrial practices, and connects to wider issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the artistry behind the image and challenge traditional distinctions between art and craft.