Artwork

Coloured pietra-dura inlay work on the top of the cenotaph of the Emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal, Agra.

Coloured pietra-dura inlay work on the top of the cenotaph of the Emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal, Agra. is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1819 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This drawing documents a coloured pietra-dura inlay on the cenotaph of Emperor Shah Jahan in the Taj Mahal, Agra.

About this work

Overview

This drawing documents a coloured pietra-dura inlay on the cenotaph of Emperor Shah Jahan in the Taj Mahal, Agra.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a long, narrow band of flowers and vines, featuring a circular floral motif at the top and a tree-like shape between two arches below, showcasing the intricate design of the inlay work.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by its precise rendering of tiny details, with leaves and petals carefully delineated, and a balanced composition with soft colours on a light background.

History & Provenance

The drawing was created by Delhi artists in Calcutta between 1816 and 1822 for Colonel Pownell Phipps, and later donated to the collection by his son, Colonel R.W. Phipps.

Context

It is one of fifteen drawings documenting Mughal architecture and ornamental details at Agra, highlighting the artistic and cultural significance of the Taj Mahal.