Avenue of the Banian Trees, Seringham, India
1858
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1858
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This photo-like print shows a long path lined with huge banyan trees. Their tangled roots and leaves make a green tunnel that stretches into the distance. The trees were planted to give travelers shade from India’s hot sun. Captain Linnaeus Tripe used an old paper negative to take the picture. The paper’s rough surface softens details and makes the light look dreamy. It’s not a crisp photo—it feels more like a memory. Try looking up chiaroscuro next.
