I'timad-ud-Daula's Tomb at Agra
c. 1820
Medium
Watercolor on paper watermarked J. Whatman with pencil, pen, ink and gold
Dimensions
51 × 74 cm (21 1/8 × 29 1/8 in.)
Classification
painting
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
210482
Art Historical Context
This delicate watercolor captures the serene elegance of I'timad-ud-Daula's Tomb in Agra, a jewel-like Mughal mausoleum built in the early seventeenth century. Created around 1820, the painting reflects the continued admiration for Mughal architecture during a period of shifting political landscapes in India. Its careful attention to the tomb's geometric marble inlay and riverside setting invites viewers to appreciate both the monument's timeless beauty and its role as an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. The artist employed a refined combination of watercolor, pencil, pen and ink, ac...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...