The Taj Mahal on the River Jumna at Agra
1786
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1786
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows a grand white building with a big dome and four tall, thin towers. The walls have lots of detailed carvings and arches, and the sky above is light blue with soft clouds. In front of the building, people in light-colored clothes are walking, sitting, and standing around a courtyard. The artist used watercolor to show the building’s smooth marble look, even though real marble isn’t this pale. The light makes the dome glow, while the shadows under the arches add depth. Next, look up Thomas Longcroft to see how he painted other faraway places.
