Ellora, Temple of Kylas c. 1869

Curator: Colin Murray's photograph, "Ellora, Temple of Kylas," captures the magnitude of this architectural marvel. The Harvard Art Museums hold this particular print. Editor: Wow, it feels like peering into the distant past, like a forgotten world. The shadows and textures are just mesmerizing. Curator: Indeed. This photograph invites us to consider the temple not merely as a structure, but as a site imbued with centuries of religious, cultural, and social meaning. Editor: I can almost hear the echoes of chants and rituals... It's a powerful feeling. I wonder what Murray felt when he framed this shot? Curator: Murray's work offers a 19th-century perspective on a timeless monument, prompting questions about colonialism, representation, and the gaze of the Western artist. Editor: It leaves me contemplating the immense dedication and artistry of those who carved it from rock—a testament to human endeavor.