Artwork
One of five views of Delhi.
One of five views of Delhi. is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This small oval plaque, painted on ivory, depicts the towering Qutb Minar in Delhi.
About this work
Overview
This small oval plaque, painted on ivory, depicts the towering Qutb Minar in Delhi. The composition includes surrounding architecture, foliage, and a detailed skyline, rendered in a compact format suitable for wall display. The work belongs to a series of six panels that illustrate notable Mughal-era monuments, intended as portable visual records for visitors to the region.
Subject & Meaning
The central focus is the Qutb Minar, a 13th‑century victory tower commissioned by Qutb‑ud‑Din Aybak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. By presenting this iconic minaret alongside adjacent structures and trees, the image conveys both the monument’s architectural prominence and its integration within the urban landscape of historic Delhi.
Technique & Style
Executed with the fine brushwork characteristic of Indian miniature painting, the artist applied layers of pigment to ivory, achieving delicate modeling and subtle tonal contrasts. The approach reflects the training of court painters, who adapted traditional miniature conventions to suit the demands of a market for detailed, portable souvenirs.
History & Provenance
Produced in the mid‑19th century, the plaque emerged during a period when diminishing Mughal patronage prompted court artists to cater to European travelers seeking high‑quality keepsakes. The set of six panels was likely intended for export, illustrating the shift toward a commercial souvenir trade that flourished among Western residents and visitors in colonial India.
Artist & collection
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