THE TOMB OF SHAH JAHAN IN THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIA, AGRA, COMPANY SCHOOL, CIRCA 1815

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 Shah Jahan at the Taj Mahal, showing the fine pietra dura flowers inlaid into the white marble, many of which are botanically accurate (see Koch 2006). Shah Jahan died in 1666 and was buried next to his favourite wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, known as Mumtaz Mahal, who had died in 1631 and for whom the Taj Mahal was built. Both Shah Jahan's tomb and that of Mumtaz Mahal (see following lot) are located within an octagonal screen enclosure. Lord Hastings' impressions on seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time were recorded in his journal: "... it may be doubted whether genius ever conceived and executed another fabric of equal taste or elegance. The whole of the building, dome included, is of white marble, which has a light brilliancy under the powerful rays of the sun that makes it look as if it were in some degree transparent." (Hastings Journal, 1858, vol.2, p.30).

Similar studies of Shah Jahan's tomb are in several museums and private collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (AL9232L, IM.178-1920, IM.180-1920, is.252-1961).