Vier waterdragers (bheesties) op een plein in Delhi before 1869

Shepherd & Robertson made this albumen print in Delhi, depicting four bheesties – water carriers – in the late 19th century. As photography gained popularity, it became a tool for colonial powers to document and classify the people they governed. This image isn't just a neutral record; it's shaped by the social and political context of British rule in India. The figures are carefully posed, reinforcing a sense of order and control, reflecting the photographer's perspective and the prevailing colonial gaze. The architectural backdrop, with its arches, could be read as a subtle reminder of the imposition of British power on Indian cultural spaces. To fully understand this photograph, we need to research the history of British colonialism in India. By exploring archives, historical documents, and critical texts, we can uncover the complex social dynamics that shaped its creation and interpretation. Ultimately, this image serves as a reminder that art is always a product of its time.