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Captain Linnaeus Tripe — Sculpture Study, Central Museum, Madras and The Pagoda Jewels, Madura
Captain Linnaeus Tripe

Sculpture Study, Central Museum, Madras and The Pagoda Jewels, Madura

These two photographs by Captain Linnaeus Tripe, taken during his tenure as Photographer to the Government of India, document the rich cultural heritage of South India through his meticulous lens. The first image captures sculptural works housed within the Central Museum in Madras, while the second presents the ornate pagoda jewels of Madura, reflecting Tripe's dedication to preserving records of indigenous art and architecture. Together, they exemplify his pioneering role in 19th-century documentary photography, combining scientific precision with an aesthetic sensitivity to his subjects.

Medium
The first with 'Photographer to government' credit blindstamp and plate numbers '28', '7' in an unidentified hand in ink on the mount; 'County Borough of Southport Library' stamp on the reverse of the mount. The second with 'Photographer to government' credit blindstamp on the mount; printed number '11' on trimmed paper affixed to the mount.

🔨 Auction Lot

The Odyssey of Collecting: Photographs from Joy of Giving Something Foundation

October 3, 2017

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About this work

Captain Linnaeus Tripe, Sculpture Study, Central Museum, Madras and The Pagoda Jewels, Madura

These two photographs by Captain Linnaeus Tripe, taken during his tenure as Photographer to the Government of India, document the rich cultural heritage of South India through his meticulous lens. The first image captures sculptural works housed within the Central Museum in Madras, while the second presents the ornate pagoda jewels of Madura, reflecting Tripe's dedication to preserving records of indigenous art and architecture. Together, they exemplify his pioneering role in 19th-century documentary photography, combining scientific precision with an aesthetic sensitivity to his subjects.

Medium
The first with 'Photographer to government' credit blindstamp and plate numbers '28', '7' in an unidentified hand in ink on the mount; 'County Borough of Southport Library' stamp on the reverse of the mount. The second with 'Photographer to government' credit blindstamp on the mount; printed number '11' on trimmed paper affixed to the mount.
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Sculptural Study, Colonial Era, Albumen Print, Orientalist Subject, 19th Century, Male Artist, Archival Photography, Documentary Photography, South Asian Heritage, Colonial Photography, Architectural Photography, Victorian Era, Monochromatic, South Asian Subject Matter, Orientalist, British Photographer, Government Commission, Historical Record

More works by Captain Linnaeus Tripe

Collected by

Cleveland Museum of Art