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Agra. Diwan-i-Chas

Photoglob Co.

1890

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Agra. Diwan-i-Chas is a 1890 by Photoglob Co., a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Photoglob Co.
When & what style?: 1890 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This is a big, open hall with red sandstone walls and white marble arches. Tiny people walk in and out, some in suits, others in long robes. The building is surrounded by green gardens. The hall was built by the same emperor who made the Taj Mahal. The photo was taken in 1890, when British rule was changing India. The mix of European and local clothing shows how cultures were blending—or clashing—at the time. Look up other photos of India, 19th century to see more of this moment.

The story of this work

Overview

This Hall of Private Audiences was built by Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal. There, he and the succeeding Mughal emperors met with courtiers and important guests. Several men in European dress exit the hall, while men in native garb labor in the lush gardens. The tiny figures emphasize the building’s grand scale.