Ramkishore Singh of Rewa

1886

Raja Deen Dayal

(Indian, 1844–1905)

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Culture

India

Medium

albumen print

Measurements

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.)

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2016.266.23

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Location

Not on view

Description

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.