An Indian Gharry 

Edwin Lord Weeks painted this oil on canvas titled, "An Indian Gharry." Weeks was an American artist known for his Orientalist paintings. During the late 19th century, many Western artists traveled to the Middle East and Asia, seeking exotic subjects to capture on canvas. "An Indian Gharry" depicts a common street scene, with a bullock cart, or gharry, and local figures engaged in daily life. Weeks's work, while celebrated for its detail and atmosphere, also reflects the colonial gaze of the time. How does the artist position himself and his viewers in relation to the scene? The painting offers us a glimpse into the past, capturing the visual richness of India, but also prompting us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in its representation. Weeks captures the feel of a place far away. Yet, this artwork also speaks volumes about the artist's cultural background, and his personal experience of India as a Westerner.