Louis Rousselet

Louis-Théophile Marie Rousselet (1845–1929) was a French traveler, writer, photographer, and early pioneer of the darkroom, whose work is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of 19th-century India. Born into a wealthy family, Rousselet initially studied in Paris and Heidelberg before embarking on ethnological and archaeological expeditions. His most significant journey took place between 1864 and 1868, when he traveled extensively through central India, visiting cities like Alwar, Baroda, Bhopal, and Gwalior. Initially relying on sketches to document India’s architectural wonders, Rousselet soon realized that photography was better suited to capture the intricate details of the monuments and landscapes he encountered.

He learned photography in 1865 and produced over 600 images during his time in India. These photographs, many of which were later turned into engravings, became widely published and some of the most recognized images of India from that period. Rousselet’s photographs were featured in his acclaimed travel book, L'Inde des Rajahs: Voyage dans l'Inde Centrale, dans les Presidencies de Bombay et du Bengale (1875), which offered a detailed account of court life, architecture, and culture.

On his return to France, Rousselet continued to work as an editor and writer, most notably with Hachette, where he became the editor-in-chief of Le Journal de la jeunesse. His photography remains highly regarded for its technical precision and aesthetic quality, and his images of India continue to command attention and high prices in the art market.