Winkelier met een man voor zijn waar in Delhi before 1869

This photograph, taken by Shepherd & Robertson in Delhi, captures a tradesman at work, his scales a central motif. This tool, a symbol of balance and justice, echoes through time, appearing in ancient Egyptian depictions of weighing souls and in Renaissance allegories of Prudence. Here, it's not just about measuring goods, but perhaps hinting at a cosmic balance. The act of weighing is deeply embedded in our collective psyche, evoking ideas of fairness and moral reckoning. Think of the scales of justice held by Lady Justice, a figure derived from ancient goddesses like Maat and Themis. This photograph presents a moment frozen in time, inviting us to reflect on the enduring symbols that connect us to the past, and the psychological weight they carry across cultures.