Delhee Gate of the Palace, Delhee

1830

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Romanticism Early 19th Century Architectural

Dominant colour

Delhee Gate of the Palace, Delhee is a 1830 by Robert Captain Smith, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Robert Captain Smith
When & what style?: 1830 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

The story of this work

Overview

This watercolor depicts a gate of the palace in Delhi, observed by Captain Robert Smith during his service in India from 1828 to 1833. The drawing, part of an unpublished two-volume journal, contrasts the structure’s architectural grandeur with the surrounding huts, which Smith noted diminished its visual impact. Smith, a British officer and amateur artist, created the work while stationed in India, later retiring to Ireland where he continued refining the manuscript until 1845. The piece was later donated to a museum collection in 1915.

Read the full account in the museum source.