Gezicht op de Taj Mahal in Agra before 1871

This photograph, taken by Samuel Bourne, a pioneer of photography in India, depicts the Taj Mahal in Agra. Captured sometime before 1871, the image showcases the iconic mausoleum's intricate details, including its white marble facade, towering minarets, and central dome. Bourne's meticulous composition emphasizes the monument's grandeur and symmetry, highlighting its architectural magnificence. This photograph, like many others by Bourne, played a significant role in introducing the world to the beauty of India's architectural heritage and its Mughal masterpieces.