Shimla. From Mount Jakko, Looking West

Samuel Bourne's "Shimla. From Mount Jakko, Looking West" is a masterful albumen print from 1863, capturing the breathtaking landscape of colonial India. Bourne, a British photographer who arrived in Calcutta early that year, quickly established himself as a premier landscape photographer, renowned for his ability to work in the remotest areas of the Himalayas. This photograph likely comes from his first major Himalayan expedition, which began on July 29, 1863, from Shimla. With a retinue of some 30 porters to carry his heavy 10x12-inch plate camera and wet plate collodion process equipment, Bourne embarked on ambitious journeys to document the subcontinent's majestic scenery. This particular view from Mount Jakko showcases his keen eye for composition and technical expertise, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the finest 19th-century travel photographers of India. The image is a testament to his dedication, as he often wrote extensively about his travels, detailing the physical challenges and the beauty he encountered.