[The Taj Mahal from the Banks of the Yamuna River] 1858 - 1862

This is John Murray’s photographic print of the Taj Mahal, taken from the banks of the Yamuna River in the 19th century. Domes dominate the skyline, potent symbols in both Islamic and broader architectural traditions. These aren't just structural elements; they echo the heavens, representing the cosmos. Think of the Pantheon in Rome, or the Florence Cathedral: domes recur across cultures, each instance carrying echoes of the past while speaking to its own time. They appear across time, linked to the idea of the heavens, of totality, of completion. They evoke feelings of awe and reverence. Murray captures this through the tonal range and the point of view he chooses to immortalize this special building. It’s a testament to how certain forms resonate across history.