Photo 212/6(9)

Genre: Architectural Photography

Close view looking along the temple façade, showing bands of intricate carved decoration and mouldings, with pierced stone window openings above. Another copy of this print at Photo 1000 (3107). Lyon's 'Notes to accompany a series of photographs repared to illustrate the ancient architecture of Southern India' (Marion and Co., London, 1870), edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description of this photograph: '459 - is a view of half the South Façade of the porch of this temple, and gives an excellent idea of its peculiar construction. The small tower on the left is in front of one of the entrances at this side, which was shown in the last view. This Photograph also shows four out of the thirty windows which give light to the interior of this porch. Some of these, like that on the left, are covered with sculpture, - this one representing the Narasinha, or fourth Avatar of Vishnu; but the three beyond, as well as most of the rest, are only slabs pierced in various patterns, and adorned with scrolls and flowers of infinite variety, and all of great beauty in detail. The figures of dancing girls who on brackets support the cornice are also worthy of admiration, not only for their grace and freedom, but also for the beauty of the details by which they are surrounded.' Another copy at Photo 1000/(3107).