Image source: collections.vam.ac.uk
Construction of the fort at Agra illustration from Akbarnama (Book of Akbar) ca. 1590-95 (made)
Artist:Miskina
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | V&A South Kensington |
| Location History: | It was originally created in the Mughal imperial atelier around 1590–1595 during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar as part of the illustrated manuscript of the Akbarnama (Book of Akbar). After Akbar’s death in 1605, the manuscript remained in the imperial Mughal library under his son Jahangir and was later inherited by Shah Jahan. During the colonial period, Major General John Clarke acquired the manuscript in India while serving as Commissioner of Oudh between 1858 and 1862. After Clarke’s death, the manuscript passed to his widow, Frances Clarke, of The Dingle, Sydenham Hill, London. The Victoria and Albert Museum purchased the manuscript from Frances Clarke in 1896, where it remains today in the South & South East Asia Collection and is currently displayed at V&A South Kensington. |
This illustration derived from the 'Akbarnama portrays the construction of the Agra Fort This particular piece was painted by Miskina . Miskina was one of the most famous painters in the imperial court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Having been created in the late sixteenth century , the painting has explicit depiction of the features of seventeenth century paintings. The inscription in the middle of the painting, is unusually placed . Inscriptions are generally placed either in the topmost corner or near the lowermost corner .The numerous people portrayed in the paintings depict the scenario of construction of a fort- the creation of something magnificent .
Information Compiled by
Indira Tiwari