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The marble screen around the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, Agra.

Unknown

1820

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Romanticism Early 19th Century Architectural

Dominant colour

The marble screen around the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, Agra. is a 1820 paint by Unknown, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1820 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows an intricate marble screen with a large archway in the center. The screen is decorated with flowers and leaves, and there are several small windows above and below the archway. The screen is very detailed, with many different patterns and designs carved into the marble. The flowers and leaves are painted in shades of pink, blue, and green, and the background of the screen is a light beige color. The screen appears to be part of a larger building or monument, possibly a tomb or mausoleum. To learn more about the Romanticism movement, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The story of this work

Overview

The marble screen encircles the empty cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal in Agra, serving as a boundary within the Taj Mahal’s inner chamber. Crafted from white marble, it features intricate jali work with geometric and floral patterns, allowing light and air to pass through while maintaining separation from the tombs. The delicate lattice design exemplifies Mughal craftsmanship, emphasizing both aesthetic refinement and functional elegance.

Read the full account in the museum source.