Who painted Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra?

Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra was painted by Unknown in 1820.

Where can I see Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra?

Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra?

Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra

Unknown , 1820

Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a watercolor drawing of the tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra, situated near Agda.

About this work

Overview

The work is a watercolor drawing of the tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra, situated near Agda. It forms part of a series of fifteen illustrations that record prominent Mughal monuments across Agra, Delhi and Fatehpur Sikri. The composition presents the mausoleum’s lofty arches and domed pavilions against a muted pink‑white façade, framed by a decorative pink border.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the funerary architecture commissioned by Akbar in the late 16th century, emphasizing its harmonious proportions and serene atmosphere. By depicting the tomb in a tranquil palette, the drawing conveys a sense of reverence for the emperor’s legacy while also serving as a visual record of the monument’s exterior decoration, including the blue and red patterned panels.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the artist employs precise linear drawing combined with soft washes of pink, white, blue and red. The clean contours delineate the arches and domes, while the delicate coloration imparts a calm, almost ethereal quality. A swirling pink border frames the scene, adding a decorative flourish typical of early 19th‑century British watercolour travel sketches.

History & Provenance

The drawing was produced during the administration of Lord Amherst, Governor‑General of India from 1823 to 1828, and his wife, Lady Amherst, an avid amateur watercolourist with a particular interest in Indian architecture. The work likely originated from their joint artistic excursions and was later incorporated into the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection of South Asian art.