Maharaja and Maharani with Attendants, India, c. 1890

This remarkable nineteenth-century albumen photograph portrays an Indian Maharaja and Maharani accompanied by two attendants. The Maharaja wears an elaborate turban and formal court attire, with a prominent curved ceremonial sword symbolizing his rank and authority. The Maharani is adorned in richly embroidered clothing and elaborate jewelry. The carefully arranged composition offers a fascinating glimpse into the wealth, status, and traditions of India's princely courts during the British colonial period.

Mounted on the reverse of the original album board is an impressive architectural photograph of Victoria Terminus in Bombay (now Mumbai). Completed in 1888, the magnificent railway station, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Both albumen photographs are mounted on opposite sides of a single album page, creating an unusual pairing of Indian royal portraiture and monumental colonial architecture.

Photographer: Unidentified Date: c. 1890 Process: Albumen Prints mounted on opposite sides of board Board: 13 × 10 inches Royal portrait: 9.25 × 7.75 inches Victoria Terminus: 11 × 8.5 inches Condition: Very Good, slight warping of board