Arkivism
Ramkishore Singh of Rewa
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Ramkishore Singh of Rewa

Raja Deen Dayal (Indian, 1844–1905), artist · 1886 · albumen print

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Ramkishore Singh, likely a high-ranking official or merchant, is depicted twice in the album, each time aboard a luxurious type of transport. In one photograph, he rides atop an elephant, a creature associated with India, power, and fortitude, preceded by an attendant on horseback. In the other, he rides in a European-style carriage pulled by two horses, flanked by attendants on camels (native to parts of India) and horses. Like the images of Britons in their carriages and rickshaws, these depictions suggest the sitter’s wealth through his possession of servants, animals, and vehicles.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineRamkishore Singh of Rewa, 1886. Raja Deen Dayal (Indian, 1844–1905). Albumen print; image: 18.6 x 27 cm (7 5/16 x 10 5/8 in.); paper: 18.6 x 27 cm (7 5/16 x 10 5/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund, 2016.266.23

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