Fatehpur Sikri, the Marble Tomb of the Sheik Selim Chisti 1863 - 1866

Curator: This is Samuel Bourne's photograph, "Fatehpur Sikri, the Marble Tomb of the Sheik Selim Chisti." Editor: It feels incredibly serene, almost otherworldly, in its composition. The stark contrast emphasizes the geometric forms. Curator: Bourne worked in India in the 1860s. His work straddled the line between documentation and art, catering to British interests, while simultaneously offering a unique lens into the architecture and social context. Editor: The play of light on the marble, the lines of the arches, creates a visual rhythm that is quite compelling. It draws my eye into the space. Curator: Bourne's laborious wet plate process meant transporting equipment and chemicals, making the very act of creation a significant undertaking. Editor: I agree; it seems the image is a testament to the convergence of form and context. Curator: Indeed. Bourne's work, beyond its aesthetic appeal, provides invaluable insight into the social and material conditions of 19th-century India.