The Rt hon John Lord Ephinstone, C. C. B. C. C. H. governor of Madras (1847-52) and Bombay (1853-60) before 1893

This engraving of The Right Honorable John Lord Elphinstone, Governor of Madras and Bombay, is an anonymous work. It probably appeared in a book sometime in the mid-19th century. As an image of a colonial administrator, this engraving is more than a simple portrait; it is a potent symbol of British power and the complex relationship between Britain and India. Elphinstone's distinguished appearance, the formal attire, and the official titles all speak to the authority he wielded in the service of the British Empire. This image was made at a time when the East India Company and then the British government were expanding their influence across the Indian subcontinent, often through military force, political maneuvering, and economic exploitation. Understanding the full historical context requires delving into sources such as colonial records, personal letters, and the writings of Indian intellectuals and activists who critiqued British rule. By exploring these resources, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the social and institutional dynamics that shaped both the production and reception of images like this one.