Not currently on view
In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of August 2026
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.
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Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Shimla and the Taj Maha
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Agra. View of the Taj f
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Agra. The Taj, the Cent
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Futheypoor Sikre Guard 
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Agra. View of the Taj i
Unknown — View of the Taj Mahal from the Jamuna, Agra
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — The Taj
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Secundra Near Agra. The
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Fort of Futheypoor Sikr
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Futtypore Sikri—Two of 
Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) — Agra. View of the Taj f
Imprimerie photographique de Blanquart-Évrard, à Lille|Augus
