Artwork

India. Calcutta. Upper Chitpore Road (A), after photo by Dr. Kurt Boeck

Photoglob Co. , 1900

India. Calcutta. Upper Chitpore Road (A), after photo by Dr. Kurt Boeck is a photography by the Impressionist artist Photoglob Co.. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This photograph captures a vibrant street scene in early 20th-century Calcutta, showcasing everyday life in a bustling urban setting.

About this work

You see a crowded street in Calcutta, packed with people, carts, and buildings under a bright sky.

You see a crowded street in Calcutta, packed with people, carts, and buildings under a bright sky.

This photo feels alive because the people aren’t posing—they’re just going about their day. It was made from a black-and-white negative taken by a German traveler, then colored later. Most old photos of India from this time were stiff and staged, but this one isn’t.

If you like this, look up more photos tagged *india, 19th century*.

Overview

This photograph captures a vibrant street scene in early 20th-century Calcutta, showcasing everyday life in a bustling urban setting.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a crowded street corner, with people, carts, and buildings under a bright sky, offering a candid glimpse into the daily activities of the time.

Technique & Style

The color photograph was created from a black-and-white negative taken by Dr. Kurt Boeck, a German traveler, and later hand-colored, resulting in a lively and unposed representation of the scene.

History & Provenance

Dr. Kurt Boeck, a German actor, mountain climber, and travel writer, captured the original black-and-white negative, which was later colored to produce this image.