The Great Elephant Saluting 1885 - 1900

"The Great Elephant Saluting" is a striking 19th-century photo by Lala Deen Dayal, a pioneer of photography in India. The image showcases a majestic elephant, its trunk raised in a gesture of respect, perhaps saluting a dignitary or a deity. A mahout, or elephant handler, stands beside the animal, while another sits atop its back, demonstrating the intricate relationship between humans and these powerful creatures. The photograph, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of India during the late 19th century.