Miniature of Mumtaz Mahal
painter
Unknown
Date19th century
Place MadeAgra, Madhya Pradesh, India, South Asia
MediumWatercolor and gilding on ivory
Dimensions4.9 x 3.8 cm (1 15/16 x 1 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberU11n2.3
eMuseum ID721271
EmbARK ObjectID15170
TMS Source ID3773
Last Updated8/14/24
Status
Not on viewWeb CommentaryThis miniature portrait is one of three which memorialize Isabella Stewart Gardner’s visit to Agra, India. This one depicts Mumtaz Mahal (1593-1631), the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's chief consort, for whom the mausoleum known as the Taj Mahal was built. Isabella Stewart Gardner traveled extensively in Asia and visited the Taj Mahal in March of 1884. In a letter to her friend Maud Howe, she wrote “The Taj perfect—a pearl.”
MarksNotesInscribed in pencil (verso): Noori Jehan
ProvenanceNotesPossibly purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner when she visited the Taj Mahal, Agra during her trip to India in March 1884.
