Indian, Agra - Miniature of Mumtaz Mahal, 19th century

Indian, Agra

Miniature of Mumtaz Mahal, 19th century

Watercolor and gilding on ivory, 4.9 x 3.8 cm (1 15/16 x 1 1/2 in.)

Commentary

This 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.”