Beelden van Shiva als Nataraja en Parvati (?) in de Minakshitempel c. 1895 - 1915

This photograph shows sculptures of Shiva as Nataraja and Parvati in the Minakshitempel. I imagine the photographer wanted to document the exquisite detail of these sculptures, the way the light catches the metal and the texture of the stone, all those garlands of flowers. What was it like for them, setting up their equipment, framing the shot just so? Did they feel like they were intruding on something sacred? The photo almost has an otherworldly feel. It reminds me of some of the early modernist photographers who were trying to capture the essence of their subjects. It's as if the photographer wanted to preserve the spirit of the place, to make it available to others. I am thinking about painting as an ongoing exchange of ideas across time, inspiring creativity. Embracing ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations.