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Untitled (recto); Untitled (verso), 1880s
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Untitled (recto); Untitled (verso), 1880s
Untitled (recto); Untitled (verso), 1880s. Probably taken by one of two British photographic firms based in Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka), this image was likely shot by a European and was definitely made for a European audience, not for the individuals depicted. It is unlikely the sitters ever saw the finished photograph. Such ethnographic portraits were collected by governments as information, by tourists as souvenirs, and by " armchair travelers" as aids to the imagination. Viewers of the era would have regarded it more as a depiction of a cultural type than as a record of individual lives. Because interiors of temples were too dark to yield an image, the photographer arranged these Thai monks and worshippers along with some of their religious objects outdoors
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Media ID 19647971
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This photo print, titled "Untitled (recto); Untitled (verso), 1880s" offers a glimpse into the colonial era of Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). Shot by one of two British photographic firms based in the region, it is evident that this image was intended for a European audience rather than the individuals depicted. The sitters themselves may have never even laid eyes on this finished photograph. During this time, ethnographic portraits like these were highly sought after by governments seeking information, tourists looking for souvenirs, and armchair travelers yearning to fuel their imagination. Viewers of that era would have regarded such images as depictions of cultural types rather than records of individual lives. Intriguingly, due to the dim lighting inside temples making photography challenging, the photographer ingeniously arranged these Thai monks and worshippers outdoors alongside some religious objects. This creative solution allowed for a visually striking composition while still capturing elements of their spiritual practices. The albumen print with gold toning adds an exquisite touch to this historical artifact. It serves as a testament to British influence in Ceylon during the late 19th century and showcases the skillful workmanship of Charles T. Scowen and his firm Skeen & Co. , who played a significant role in documenting life in colonial territories. Now preserved within The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, this Heritage Art/Heritage Images print invites us to reflect upon our past and contemplate how perceptions have evolved over
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