Artwork
The Bridge of Boats and Fort from Khairabad
The Bridge of Boats and Fort from Khairabad is a photography by the Impressionist artist John Burke. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2024.6.e
About this work
Overview
This photograph, 'The Bridge of Boats and Fort from Khairabad', is a documentation of a scene from the Second Anglo-Afghan War. It is one of many images taken by John Burke, a pioneering photographer who extensively captured the conflict.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a floating bridge formed by boats tied together, spanning a wide river, with a fort visible on the opposite bank. It represents a moment of relative calm amidst the conflict, showcasing the infrastructure used during the war.
Technique & Style
The photograph is characterized by its stillness, a result of the technological limitations of early cameras that made capturing fast-paced action impossible. Burke's work focuses on landscapes, infrastructure, and portraits, providing a detailed visual record of the war.
History & Provenance
John Burke was a key photographer during the Second Anglo-Afghan War, which took place from 1878 to 1880. His photographs are among the earliest extensive visual documentation of the conflict.
Artist & collection
