Part of a privately owned complete album of 31 miniatures paintings (sold through Bonhams Auction House, London, New Bond Street under the category of Islamic & Indian Art)
Ghulam Ali Khan's artwork shows the symmetry and calm presence of Safdarjungs Mausoleum with a light blue sky. The monument is positioned in the middle of the picture. It is made of sandstone and white marble. These are surrounded by blue and green leaves. In the front there is a pool of water which showcases the reflection of the monument. It draws the viewer’s attention to the middle arch. This makes the whole painting look very peaceful and serene.
The Safdarjungs Mausoleum was built in 1754 by Shuja al-Daulah for his father, Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan, who was also known as Safdarjung. He was a Nawab of Awadh and used to work for Mughal Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur. The Safdarjungs Mausoleum is the big garden tomb of the Mughal era. It is on Lodi Road in New Delhi. The complex is divided into four parts with water channels and fountains. There are also three buildings along the walls. One can enter the complex through a gate. The main mausoleum is on a stone base. It has a square plan and round minarets. The mausoleum has a dome and a special facade with arches. Even though it looks different from the Taj Mahal, its plasterwork and rich history make it a famous example of late Mughal architecture. The Safdarjungs Mausoleum is a place with a lot of history and beautiful artwork. Ghulam Ali Khan's artwork shows the beauty of the Safdarjungs Mausoleum in a nice way.
Ghulam Ali Khan’s painting career spanned over a period from 1817-1852. He essentially worked during the transitional period where his early works covered the style of patrons from Mughal emperors like Akbar II, Bahadur Shah II and Bahadur Shah Zafar until 1852. His later works were done for the officers of the East India Company. As the first artist who moved from the miniature style of painting, Ghulam Ali Khan adapted the new ‘picturesque’ mode of capturing architecture which was introduced by the company style of painting. The style involves linear perspective, refined draftsmanship, and use of watercolour with shades . These essential characteristics of Company style were diligently applied by the artist in this work here and it was enhanced by the lush-green trees surrounding the monument, bringing the ‘picturesque’ effect to the work.
