Calcutta, the Esplanade and Government House 1867

Curator: Samuel Bourne captured this striking image, "Calcutta, the Esplanade and Government House," and it immediately evokes a sense of measured colonial ambition. Editor: It's so still, almost ghostly. The light reflecting off the water gives it an ethereal quality, doesn't it? But the imperial architecture looms large. Curator: Yes, Bourne was a master of capturing architectural grandeur. But it's more than just a pretty picture, the Esplanade was a contested space, a symbol of British power imposed on the landscape and people of Calcutta. Editor: It's eerie how few people there are, isn't it? The empty carriages seem to emphasize the controlled environment, a world apart from the bustling streets beyond. Curator: Bourne's work is a reminder that photography isn't just documentation, it's an interpretation, often reflecting the photographer's own biases and worldview. Editor: Exactly. Bourne's Calcutta isn’t just a place; it’s a statement about control, power, and the imposition of a foreign order, still echoing today.