Major General A. H. King 1855

This is a photograph of Major General A. H. King with his horse, taken by Roger Fenton sometime in the mid-19th century. Fenton was one of the first war photographers, active during the Crimean War. His photographs often offered sanitized views of war, devoid of the true horror and suffering. In that sense, the image subtly promotes the British military and its officers, presenting them as stoic and in control. Note the clean uniforms, the calm demeanor of the subjects, and the well-groomed horse. The photograph can be seen as a product of its time, reflecting the Victorian era's emphasis on order, social hierarchy, and national pride. To fully understand this photograph, historians would need to delve into sources such as military records, personal letters, and newspaper articles. By studying the social and institutional context, we can better understand the photograph's intended meaning and its role in shaping public opinion about the war.