Indian Company School, Tomb of the Emperor Akbar at Secunderah Near Agra, 1800s, Watercolor

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An original c.1834 watercolour painting – Indian Company School, Tomb of the Emperor Akbar at Secunderah near Agra.An exquisite Indian … Read more An original c.1834 watercolour painting – Indian Company School, Tomb of the Emperor Akbar at Secunderah near Agra.An exquisite Indian Company School painting showing the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar the Great at Sikandra (historically spelled Secunderah), Agra.Akbar died in 1605 and his tomb was completed in 1614. It consists of five tiered stories of which the top floor is an open-air courtyard enclosed on all four sides by marble screens. This meticulous architectural view captures the grandeur of the building's multitude of arches and pillars.This painting is a fine example of an Indian Company painting, produced for Western (especially British) patrons in India in the 19th century, many of whom were working for the East India Company. It displays the striking hybrid techniques which led to the categorisation of the 'Company' style as a School. While incorporating traditional elements from Rajput and Mughal painting, they were given a more 'western' appearance through their use of perspective and rounded modelling, as opposed to the more decorative, 'flatter' styles that had gone before.In watercolour on watermarked 'Green & Son 1834' cream wove paper.Inscribed on the verso: 'Tomb of the Emperor Acber[sic] at Secunderah near Agra'. Dimensions: Height: 14.9cm (5.87") Width: 19.8cm (7.8")Presented: Unframed.Medium: WatercolourAge: Early 19th-centurySigned: No.Inscribed: Inscribed verso.Dated: --Condition: In good condition for its age.Some minor wrinking and slight toning to the corners of the sheet. There is a tiny repaired tear to the lower right corner. Note that the inscription on the verso shows through slightly on the front. Please see photos for detail. There are historical adhesive marks and/or paper remnants to the corners on the verso, from previous mounting. See less