[Grand Entrance to the Government House, Calcutta] 1850s

This albumen print, titled "Grand Entrance to the Government House, Calcutta," was made by Captain R. B. Hill. As a photographic print, its making involved a complex interplay of technical skill and chemical processes. Albumen, derived from egg whites, was applied to paper to create a receptive surface for light-sensitive silver compounds. The negative was then placed on this prepared paper and exposed to light, creating a latent image that was developed and fixed using chemical solutions. The sepia tones and delicate gradations of light and shadow are characteristic of albumen prints. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and distance. The photograph shows a colonial building that represents British power in India. In its pristine condition, the photograph highlights a meticulous and labor-intensive process. But it also represents a very different kind of labor, namely, the work of colonial administration. By attending to the materiality and production of this photograph, we can better understand its cultural significance and the complex relationship between art, labor, and colonial power.