Artwork

Mausoleum of Shaykh Ma'ruf al-Kharki, Baghdad

Mausoleum of Shaykh Ma'ruf al-Kharki, Baghdad, by K.A.C. Creswell, photographic, 1934
Mausoleum of Shaykh Ma'ruf al-Kharki, Baghdad, by K.A.C. Creswell, photographic, 1934

Mausoleum of Shaykh Ma'ruf al-Kharki, Baghdad is a photographic photography by K.A.C. Creswell. It dates from 1934 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This black-and-white photograph depicts the Mausoleum of Shaykh Ma'ruf al-Kharki in Baghdad.

About this work

Overview

This black-and-white photograph depicts the Mausoleum of Shaykh Ma'ruf al-Kharki in Baghdad. It is part of a large collection of architectural views acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum.

History & Provenance

The photograph was taken by K.A.C. Creswell, a pioneering scholar of medieval Islamic architecture, likely during his fieldwork in the early 20th century. The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired the image from Creswell between 1921 and 1939.

Technique & Style

Creswell was known for his meticulous approach to photography, considering it essential for documenting physical evidence. He took and printed his own photographs, paying close attention to their quality.

Context

Creswell's work focused on the detailed study of Islamic architecture, including the construction of arches, domes, and brickwork. His photographs provided scholars with valuable visual documentation of historic sites.

Artist & collection

Artist

K.A.C. Creswell

He spent years crawling across the Middle East with a bulky camera, measuring every arch and dome with his lens.