Artwork
His Eminence Commander in Chief and Party, Shimla
His Eminence Commander in Chief and Party, Shimla is a photography by the Impressionist artist Raja Deen Dayal. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
You can learn more about the photographer who took this picture, Raja Deen Dayal (Indian, 1844–1905).
This painting shows a group of people in casual clothes.
They're standing together after a big party.
The party was a "fancy dress" ball to celebrate Queen Victoria's 50th anniversary.
The group includes Field Marshal Frederick Roberts, who was just made Knight Commander.
He's the commander in chief of the British Indian Army.
The photo was taken by a photographer who was appointed to work with Roberts.
You can learn more about the photographer who took this picture, Raja Deen Dayal (Indian, 1844–1905).
Overview
This photograph, 'His Eminence Commander in Chief and Party, Shimla', captures a group of people in casual attire gathered together after a formal celebration.
Subject & Meaning
The group includes Field Marshal Frederick Roberts, commander in chief of the British Indian Army, who had recently been honored as Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire. A tiger skin rug is visible, symbolizing British success in big game hunting, a pastime viewed differently by the British and Indians.
Technique & Style
The photograph was taken by Raja Deen Dayal, who had been appointed official photographer to Roberts in 1887, showcasing his skill in capturing informal gatherings.
Context
The occasion was a 'fancy dress' ball commemorating Queen Victoria's 50th anniversary on the throne, followed by the inauguration of a new ballroom at Roberts's residence.
History & Provenance
The image is linked to significant events and figures of the British Indian Empire, highlighting the intersection of military, social, and cultural life during that period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Raja Lala Deen Dayal, famously known as Raja Deen Dayal) was an Indian photographer.
Maharaja of Rewa and Classmates
Col. F. G. Oldham (recto, top); Mr. Nowell, Shimla (recto, bottom)
Fancy Group, Indore I
Civil officers at Jhansi (recto); Mr. William's House, Jhansi (verso)
Middle Class Students and Staff, Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (verso)
Mowhri Rahman Alli Khan family, Rewa (recto, bottom)
Lord William Beresford's horses
Heavy Field Battery, Jhansi
His Honor The Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab and Party, Shimla
Lord Dufferin and the Supreme Council of Government of India
The Duke and Duchess of Connaught, with Col. Adam, Captain H.V. Benett, Col. Becher, Gen. Knowles, Captain Herbert, Col. Cavaye, Mrs. Cavaye, and Gen. R. Gellispie, Mhow
Shimla 17th May 1887: Viceregal party. Lord William Beresford, Military Secretary, Captain Leonard Gordon A.D.C., Mademoiselle Clerc, The Honorable Basit Blackwood, Major F. R. Hamilton A.D.C., Mr. Oglivie Grant, Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace K.C.E., Private Secretary, Dr. J. Findlay, Mrs. F. R. Hamilton, Master G. Hamilton, Lady Victoria Blackwood, H. E. The Countess of Dufferin, H. E. The Earl of Dufferin, Lady Hermione Blackwood, Lord Herbrand Russell, A.D.C. (recto)
Viceregal Party Shimla (verso)
Colonel H.R. Thuillier and His Wife Emmeline Williams Thuillier, Shimla
Colonel F. G. Oldham, Shimla
Sir Auckland Colvin and Family, Shimla
Maharaja of Rewa and Sardars
Captain H.S. Rawhinson (recto); Mr. Robert Holtz and Family (verso)
Captain Watkins and Non Com. officers