DISCOVERART

Dr. John Murray

Taj Mahal, Back View of the Rest-House, with Figure

c. 1858–1862
albumen print from wax paper negative

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026

View at clevelandart.org ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

Although Dr. John Murray enjoyed a distinguished medical career as a surgeon, administrator, and leader in the fight against cholera, he is now best known for his superb paper negative photographs of India. Having lived near the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra for 20 years, Dr. Murray took great interest in the monument, photographing it from numerous perspectives and under varying light conditions. In this print, he chose an elevated viewpoint to compose an intriguing rendering of the Rest-House. The paper negative was waxed before sensitizing, improving its translucency and allowing the photographer to render his architectural subject matter in broad areas of light and dark, emphasizing the building's bold geometric forms. The surrounding, picturesque landscape adds both visual interest and complexity to the composition. Seated figures in the foreground provide an indication of scale and the sense of wonder that might be experienced in the presence of this vast monument.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Dr. John Murray

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-DaulahThe Tomb of Itimad-ud-DaulahShimlaShimlaTaj Mahal, Back View of the Rest-House, with FigureTaj Mahal, Back View of the Rest-House, with FigureTaj Mahal, Back View of the Rest-House, with FigureTaj Mahal, Back View of the Rest-House, with FigureThe Taj MahalThe Taj MahalBuland Darwaza with FigureBuland Darwaza with FigureThe Tomb of Itimad-ud-DaulahThe Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

More like this

Secundra Near Agra. The Mausoleum of the Emperor AkbarSamuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Secundra Near Agra. The[Islamic Monument]Unknown — [Islamic Monument]The Shah Nyjuff or NajafFelice A. Beato (British, 1832–1909) — The Shah Nyjuff or NaUntitled (Jama Masjid, Delhi)Untitled (Jama Masjid, Delhi)[The Taj Mahal, Agra]Unknown — [The Taj Mahal, Agra]View of the City of Lahore Taken from the Roof of the Palace in the FortSamuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — View of the City of LahFutheypoor Sikre Guard Gate of the FortSamuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Futheypoor Sikre Guard The Tomb of Itimad-ud-DaulahDr. John Murray — The Tomb of Itimad-ud-DaulahShah NajafFelice A. Beato (British, 1832–1909) — Shah NajafThe City of Lahore. Another View Taken from Huzeer Khan's HouseSamuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — The City of Lahore. Ano[Akbar's Tomb and Gardens, Sikandra, India]Unknown — [Akbar's Tomb and Gardens, Sikandra, India]The Kudmsee RussolFelice A. Beato (British, 1832–1909) — The Kudmsee Russol