Benares, Ancient Bhuddist Tower at Sarnath 1865 - 1866

Curator: Looking at this image, the first thing that strikes me is the sheer monumentality of this ancient structure, even in its ruined state. Editor: Indeed, it exudes a quiet strength. This albumen print, taken by Samuel Bourne, captures the "Benares, Ancient Buddhist Tower at Sarnath." Curator: Bourne, the adventurer, capturing the light in India. I feel the weight of history, the lives that passed around this tower...like dust motes dancing in a beam. Editor: Bourne made his name documenting the landscape and architecture of India in the second half of the 19th century, often catering to a Western audience's fascination with the exotic East. Curator: I wonder, though, if he felt something deeper, an echo of reverence in the stone itself. It reminds me of how time can both build up and break down. Editor: What's fascinating is how these images circulated, shaping perceptions and reinforcing colonial narratives. Bourne's photographs became instruments in constructing a particular vision of India. Curator: Ah, but art always has layers, doesn’t it? His eye, our gaze…both colored by time and intention. Editor: Absolutely. The interplay between artistic vision, historical context, and cultural impact is always complex. Curator: Well, I am content with the idea that sometimes, photographs are simply a way to reflect on the passage of time. Editor: I agree. A photograph can be a portal to multiple realities and points of view.