Artwork

Khyber Chiefs with Captain Tucker

Khyber Chiefs with Captain Tucker, by John Burke, 1879
Khyber Chiefs with Captain Tucker, by John Burke, 1879

Khyber Chiefs with Captain Tucker 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.

About this work

Overview

Khyber Chiefs with Captain Tucker is a photograph by John Burke, documenting the Second Anglo-Afghan War. It depicts three men in a courtyard, showcasing the photographer's ability to capture posed scenes amidst the conflict.

Subject & Meaning

The image features two Afghan leaders and a British officer, Captain Tucker, in a courtyard. The subjects' formal attire and posed stance convey a sense of dignity and authority, providing insight into the people involved in the war.

Technique & Style

The photograph is characteristic of early conflict photography, with subjects posed due to the camera's technical limitations. The resulting image is formal and static, with the subjects holding still for the exposure.

History & Provenance

John Burke was a pioneering war photographer, extensively documenting the Second Anglo-Afghan War. His photographs, including Khyber Chiefs with Captain Tucker, offer a unique visual record of the conflict and its participants.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Burke

John Burke was an Irish sculptor.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.