Agra. The Gateway of the Gardens Surrounding the Taj
1866
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1866
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
You see a tall stone archway framing a dusty path that leads to the Taj Mahal in the distance. Trees and low walls line the walkway, and a few people stand near the gate. This photo was taken in the 1860s, before the Taj was restored. It’s one of the earliest clear pictures of the site, showing how it looked when fewer tourists visited. The shadows and light are simple but careful, making the scene feel quiet and real. If you like old travel photos, look up Samuel Bourne (British, 1834–1912) for more of his work.
