Artwork

The Hoosseinabad Imambara, Lucknow

The Hoosseinabad Imambara, Lucknow, by Louis-Théophile Marie Rousselet, 1866
The Hoosseinabad Imambara, Lucknow, by Louis-Théophile Marie Rousselet, 1866

The Hoosseinabad Imambara, Lucknow is a photography by the Impressionist artist Louis-Théophile Marie Rousselet. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Hoosseinabad Imambara, Lucknow is a photograph by Louis Rousselet, a European traveler who documented Indian architecture and culture.

Technique & Style

Rousselet learned photography during his time in India, a notable achievement for a European at the time. His photographs, including this one, showcase a sophisticated sense of composition.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph depicts the Hoosseinabad Imambara in Lucknow, a tall, white building with arches and domes. Figures in loose robes are seen walking in the courtyard, adding a sense of scale and context to the architectural subject.

History & Provenance

Rousselet's photographs were part of a larger documentation of Indian sites, including locations associated with Sultanate, Rajput, and Mughal power in northern India.

Legacy

Rousselet's photographs helped shape Western perceptions of Indian architecture and culture.

Artist & collection

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