NAM.1950-11-55-27

Alexander's Column near Cabul. From folio of 29 coloured lithographs by and after Lt Vincent Eyre, Bengal Artillery, (to be) published by John Murray, 1843. Officers, ladies, and scenes in Afghanistan, 1842. From drawings made during the artist’s capture in Afghanistan; some with notes for printing; in green leather bound album. Associated with the 1st Afghan War (1838-1842). As the British advanced into Afghanistan they came across many ancient ruins and monuments, evidence of the country’s rich and varied heritage. Individuals like Eyre painted, sketched, classified and recorded these sites, doing much to increase our understanding. Their work was part of the imperial scheme. The development of archaeology, linguistics, anthropology and the birth of the museum were all based on an impulse to collect, classify and control information about diverse cultures. It was no coincidence that many of the pioneers in the ancient history of the subcontinent, its religions and languages were often the very same soldiers and civil servants who conquered, surveyed and administered India and its associated regions.

Kabul, Retreat from, 1842 (1st Afghan War 1838-1842)