Arts of the Islamic World & India including Fine Rugs and Carpets
Arts of the Islamic World & India including Fine Rugs and Carpets
THE TOMB OF MUMTAZ MAHAL IN THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIA, AGRA, COMPANY SCHOOL, CIRCA 1815
Auction Closed
October 27, 04:55 PM GMT
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
THE TOMB OF MUMTAZ MAHAL IN THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIA, AGRA, COMPANY SCHOOL, CIRCA 1815
watercolour, ink and pencil on paper watermarked J. WHATMAN 1813, wide black border rule, inscribed 'The Tomb of the Begum' in a cartouche in the lower border band, numbered '7' in pencil at upper right
53.5 by 70cm.
Flora Mure-Campbell, Marchioness of Hastings (1780-1840).
Ex-collection of the Marquesses of Bute.
This architectural study depicts the side elevation of the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal at the Taj Mahal, showing the fine pietra dura flowers inlaid into the white marble. Arjumand Banu Begum, known as Mumtaz Mahal, was Shah Jahan's beloved wife and when she died in childbirth in 1631 he ordered the construction of the white marble mausoleum that became known as the Taj Mahal. When Shah Jahan himself died in 1666 he was buried next to Mumtaz Mahal. Both tombs are located within an octagonal screen enclosure (see previous lot). As well as the exquisite pietra dura flowers, Mumtaz Mahal's tomb also features verses from the Qur'an inlaid into the white marble, carefully selected to comfort the soul of Mumtaz with the prospect of paradise. Those in the present view are from Qur'an, Surah LXXXIII (al-Mutaffifin), verses 22-28.
Similar studies of the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal are in several museums and private collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (AL9232M, IM.178-1920, IS.16-1896, IS.252-1961).