Two men by the water near Murree, Punjab, Pakistan 1864 - 1870

This silver and albumen print was made by Samuel Bourne in Punjab, Pakistan. Although undated, Bourne worked in India from 1863 to 1870. Bourne's photography provides insight into the social and cultural dynamics of British colonialism in South Asia. The choice of subject matter, such as landscapes and local populations, was intended for consumption by a British audience, shaping perceptions of the colonies. The presence of two men by the water, in what seems to be a staged setting, suggests a controlled and curated representation of the local environment. To fully understand the historical context, researching Bourne’s company and its relationship with the British administration would reveal more about the politics of imagery at the time. Colonial photography played a role in constructing and reinforcing power structures, and Bourne's work is a visual record of this complex history.