View of the Taj Mahal from the Yamuna river, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India 1864 - 1866

Samuel Bourne captured this view of the Taj Mahal from the Yamuna River in a photograph dating back to about 1887. The composition is neatly divided, with the architectural marvel on the left balanced by the river's edge on the right. Notice how the interplay of light and shadow gives depth to the monument's facade. The Taj Mahal is presented as a series of geometric forms, from the large dome to the smaller arches and minarets, each contributing to the overall harmony and symmetry of the structure. The river acts as a reflecting plane, doubling the architectural forms and creating a sense of spatial complexity. Bourne’s framing encourages a reading of the Taj Mahal not just as a historical monument but as a study in form, space, and light. This photograph invites us to see how the interplay between objective representation and artistic interpretation creates meaning.