Indian Coolie, Carrying a Basket 

Curator: This is "Indian Coolie, Carrying a Basket," made in the 18th century by an artist from the British School. It’s a watercolor on paper, quite small at only 134 x 81 mm. Editor: The figure seems stoic, burdened, almost ghost-like against the backdrop of what appears to be a British encampment. It's a potent image of labour. Curator: Indeed. The emphasis is on the coolie's labor, the basket itself an object of intricate craftsmanship, and the materials he's carrying. It speaks volumes about colonial economies and the value placed on manual work. Editor: Absolutely, and the socio-political context is inescapable. The artist, situated within the British School, depicts this figure against the backdrop of imperial expansion, shaping the narrative and our understanding of the coolie's role. Curator: The small size also makes it feel like an artifact, a commodity from that era. Editor: A poignant depiction, offering insight into the period's complex intersection of art, labor, and colonial power. Curator: Precisely, something to reflect upon.