Delhi, the Palace (Interor of the Dewan-i Khass) 1863 - 1866

Editor: Here we have Samuel Bourne's photograph, "Delhi, the Palace (Interior of the Dewan-i Khass)." It's stunning how Bourne captured such intricate detail in black and white. What strikes you most about this image? Curator: Bourne’s work has to be viewed within the framework of British colonialism. It's easy to get lost in the aesthetic appeal of the photograph, but consider the power dynamics at play. Who was Bourne photographing for, and what narratives was he reinforcing about the “exotic” East? Editor: So you’re suggesting we need to question Bourne's perspective and the intended audience? Curator: Exactly. The photograph is not a neutral document; it’s a constructed representation, shaped by colonial ideologies. How does seeing it this way change your interpretation? Editor: It makes me think about what stories are missing, whose voices aren't being heard in this image, and the power of photography. Curator: Precisely. It is about critically examining the image and its historical context.