Ivoren troon uit India tentoongesteld op de Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations van 1851 in Londen 1851

Hugh Owen captured this photograph of an ivory throne from India exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. The sepia tone lends the image a sense of historical distance and romanticizes the throne. Notice how the composition emphasizes verticality and the throne's ornate details. The eye is immediately drawn to the throne's intricate carvings, and the high back, which contrasts with the dark, plush cushion. The elaborate craftsmanship is highlighted through detailed carving and careful ornamentation. The throne’s structure, with its combination of rigid geometric forms and fluid, organic patterns, suggests a tension between power and artistry. This photograph doesn't just document an object; it captures the complex interplay between cultures, aesthetics, and the burgeoning age of industrial exhibitions, reflecting a Victorian fascination with exoticism and imperial power. The use of photography itself—a relatively new medium—adds another layer to this discourse, suggesting an attempt to capture and classify the world through a technological lens.