Cattle and Carts, leaving Balaklava 1855

Roger Fenton made this albumen print, "Cattle and Carts, leaving Balaklava," during the Crimean War. As one of the first war photographers, Fenton was commissioned by the British government to document the conflict, but his images present a sanitized view, omitting the harsh realities of war. This photograph depicts a seemingly peaceful scene of cattle and carts, obscuring the violence and suffering of the war. The composition is carefully arranged, with the animals and carts positioned against the backdrop of a rocky landscape, creating a sense of order and tranquility. Fenton's photographs reflect the social and political context of Victorian England. His work reinforces the prevailing narratives of British power and progress, while also serving the purposes of wartime propaganda. To fully understand Fenton's motivations and the reception of his work, scholars consult primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and government documents, to uncover the complex relationship between art, politics, and society.