Colonnade of Hindú pillars (eleventh century). Photomechanical print.

Samuel Bourne was a British photographer best known for his pioneering work in India in the 19th century. Born in Staffordshire, England in 1834, he began his career as an engraver. He soon turned to photography and became one of the most important photographers of his time. In 1863, Bourne travelled to India to photograph the country's landscape and architecture. He spent several years travelling throughout the country, taking thousands of photographs that captured the beauty and diversity of India. His photographs were highly regarded for their technical excellence and artistic quality. Bourne's work was instrumental in shaping Western perceptions of India in the 19th century. His photographs were widely published in books and magazines and helped to create a romantic image of India as a land of exotic beauty and mystery. Bourne continued to work as a photographer until his death in 1912. Today, his photographs are considered some of the most important examples of early travel photography and continue to inspire photographers and artists around the world.

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