Baron Alexis de La Grange

Baron Alexis De La Grange, born into nobility in Douai on April 4, 1825, embarked on a two-year journey in 1849 with his cousin, statesman Félix Lambrecht. Armed with a camera, he travelled through India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, documenting monuments and Indian architecture. He compiled two photographic albums during this expedition, reflecting the colonial practice of encouraging officers to study local cultures to govern better.

The representation of Indian architecture captivated European artists, scholars, and travelers, offering a different lens through which to explore distant cultures. Baron Alexis de La Grange’s Photographies de l’Inde Anglaise (1851) exemplifies this practice, showcasing the visualization and appropriation of remote landmarks from a distinctly European perspective. These works highlight the interplay of travel as a journey away from home, photography as a means of preserving and authenticating experience, and the European gaze framing the narrative. From early sketches to photographs, such representations often reflect a cultural identity distinct from the regions depicted, reinforcing Europe’s self-image through the lens of its “Others.”