Viceroy Lord Lansdowne and family

This photograph shows an intimate family portrait of a high-ranking British official. Lord Lansdowne (1845–1927), an important figure in imperial politics, served as undersecretary of state for India in 1880, and as Governor-General of Canada from 1883 to 1888. He subsequently returned to India (1888–1894) as viceroy: representative of the British monarch in India and the highest official in colonial administration. The viceroy is seated in a relaxed pose without his official uniform and badges of honor, suggesting that this photograph was included in a personal album. The setting is likely the lawn of the family house at early morning or evening, when the weather and lighting would have permitted an outdoor photograph. The sitters are dressed in contemporary European fashions. Their attire appears ill suited for the generally hot climate of India, and it reflects the ways in which the clothing choices are often motivated by concerns of status and identity, and not only by practical considerations.