[Sutar ka Jhopda Cave Interior, Ellora Caves]

Alfred William Plâté

1890–1900 · Platinum print · Photographs

This beautifully printed and perfectly preserved print shows the most famous Buddhist rock-cut temple in Ellora, India, the “Carpenter’s Cave,” excavated about 700. Although carved from rock, the large hall is designed to look like a vaulted ceiling of wood beams supported by columns, echoing contemporary timber shrines. Plâté’s eerily lit photograph powerfully conveys a spiritual aura, with the statue of the Buddha in a teaching posture at center shown as the focal point of the dramatic perspective and the play of light.

Artist

Alfred William Plâté

Date

1890–1900

Medium

Platinum print

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Purchase, Robert A. Taub Gift, 2012