Artwork
Temple at Naveshera, Kashmir, India

Temple at Naveshera, Kashmir, India is a photography by the Impressionist artist Samuel Bourne. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 19th-century photograph captures the Temple at Naveshera in Kashmir, India, highlighting the interplay between architectural decay and the surrounding natural landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The image contrasts the ordered, deteriorating temple structure with the majestic, overpowering natural environment, emphasizing the dominance of natural forces over human-made forms. Figures are present but secondary, primarily indicating scale.
Technique & Style
Samuel Bourne's composition balances architectural detail with expansive natural scenery, characteristic of his expeditionary photography style, which sought to frame 'picturesque' remote landscapes.
History & Provenance
Taken during Bourne's second Himalayan expedition (1863-1869), this photograph is part of his extensive Indian portfolio. It is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, where its style resonates with the museum's architectural motifs.
Context
Created during the British photographic expeditions in India, the work reflects the era's fascination with documenting remote, 'picturesque' locations, often juxtaposing human constructs with uncontrolled nature.
Artist & collection
Artist
Samuel Bourne was a British photographer known for his prolific seven years' work in India, from 1863 to 1870.
















