Photo 212/6(13)

Genre: Architectural Photography

Close-up detail of carved work on east wall of the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur. Prints 10-13 show a series of details on the east wall. Lyon's 'Notes to accompany a series of photographs prepared to illustrate the ancient architecture of Southern India' (Marion and Co., London, 1870), edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description of this photograph: '461, 462, 463 - These views will convey some idea of the exquisite carvings on the eastern half of this temple. The little cushion-shaped frames - each enclosing its little figure - stand out in clear relief, the stone being cut completely away behind, and each frame being pierced through; while both behind and above them other rows of small figures are carved, as will be seen in the Photographs. The small running patterns, intermixed with these, are only to be compared to the finest lace-work; the whole forming such master-pieces of carvings as probably cannot anywhere be excelled. They have all, unfortunately, been whitewashed, by which much of the beauty of detail is lost.' Another copy of this print at Photo 1000 (3111).