Artwork

Mr. Nowell, Shimla (recto, bottom)

Mr. Nowell, Shimla (recto, bottom), by Raja Deen Dayal, 1884
Mr. Nowell, Shimla (recto, bottom), by Raja Deen Dayal, 1884

Mr. Nowell, Shimla (recto, bottom) is a photography by the Impressionist artist Raja Deen Dayal. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This photograph, 'Mr.

About this work

Overview

This photograph, 'Mr. Nowell, Shimla,' is part of a disassembled album containing around 105 images taken in India between 1885 and 1887. It captures a moment in the life of the British colonial elite during their presence in the region.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a British man standing on a hillside path in Shimla, gazing out at the misty landscape. His face is turned away, concealing his identity and emphasizing his role as a representative of the colonial presence rather than an individual.

History & Provenance

The album from which this photograph originates was likely commissioned by a British civil servant as a personal memento of their time in India around 1888. The museum holds another group of 37 pictures from the same album.

Context

The photograph offers a glimpse into the everyday experiences of British colonial officials in India during the late 19th century, reflecting the intersection of power and landscape in the colonial context.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Raja Deen Dayal

Artist

Raja Deen Dayal

Raja Lala Deen Dayal, famously known as Raja Deen Dayal) was an Indian photographer.

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