Gezicht op Trafalgar Square met Nelson's Column 1870 - 1888

Samuel Poulton made this photograph of Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column, but without a specific date, we must consider the context in which he was working. As photography became more widespread in Victorian England, it transformed how people saw themselves and their society. The image of Nelson’s Column, erected to commemorate a British naval hero, sits in a carefully designed public space, meant to inspire civic pride and reinforce national identity. Poulton’s photo doesn’t just record a monument, it captures the essence of British imperial ambition. The construction of Trafalgar Square and monuments like Nelson's Column reflect the institutions of the time. They served as symbols of power and control, shaping public memory and attitudes towards nationhood. Historians rely on sources like newspapers, government documents, and personal letters to understand the significance of such images. By delving into the context, we can interpret the photograph as more than a snapshot, revealing the complex relationship between art, society, and power.