Gezicht op een schoorsteen en gebouwen met daarvoor bomen before 1867

This photograph, whose maker and exact date are unknown, captures a scene of industry in Roorkee, India. It shows a chimney and buildings, partially obscured by trees, all rendered in sepia tones through photographic chemistry. The materiality of this image lies in its emulsion, the silver halide crystals reacting to light, fixed through a chemical process. This was a relatively new mode of production at the time, distinct from older forms of art like painting or sculpture. Photography allowed for the mass dissemination of images, tying it closely to wider issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Note the stark contrast between the organic trees and the rigid industrial architecture. Consider the amount of work involved; from the labor required to construct the buildings, to the photographer's skill in capturing the scene and processing the image. Understanding the materials, making, and social context is crucial to interpreting the photograph. The photographer’s choice of view – between nature and industry – hints at the complex relationship between progress and place.