Open full image Pin

The tomb of Mucdoom Sahib

William Carpenter

1855

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Patna School of Painting Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century Interior

Dominant colour

The tomb of Mucdoom Sahib is a 1855 paint by William Carpenter, a Patna School of Painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: William Carpenter
When & what style?: 1855 · Patna School of Painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a busy courtyard with arched doorways and tall windows. People in light clothes stand, sit, and talk under a warm, golden sky. Some wear turbans or head coverings, and a few children play near the center. The walls are decorated with simple patterns, and a red flag hangs on the right side. The artist focused on everyday life in a specific place, using soft colors and loose brushstrokes. The light feels natural, like you’re seeing it through your own eyes. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.

The story of this work

Overview

The tomb of Mucdoom Sahib, depicted by William Carpenter in 1855, belonged to the father of Sheik Imam-u-din, who served as the Governor of Kashmir under Sikh rule. Carpenter, who traveled extensively in India from 1850 to 1856, spent time in Kashmir in 1854–55, capturing scenes of its landscape and people. The work was later acquired by a museum in 1888 as part of a collection purchased from Carpenter for £500.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

William Carpenter

William Carpenter (1818–1899) was an English watercolour artist. He travelled for six or seven years in the 1850s painting scenes of India, its people and its life. The Victoria and Albert Museum bought over 280 of his…

See the richer artist page