Lot Essay
The Taj Mahal is but one part of a large funerary complex for Mumtaz Mahal ('Elect of the Palace'), Shah Jahan's favourite wife. The grounds are enclosed by the river Jumna to the north and a large red sandstone wall with three entrances on the east, west, and south. A fitting herald to the grandeur contained within, the Great Gateway, or South entrance, is made of red sandstone, embellished with gemstones and inlaid with white marble and with black marble inscriptions inviting the pure pf heart to enter the Gardens of Paradise. It is possible that the artist never actually saw the Taj as he depicts the South Gateway as white marble; perhaps he simply re-interpreted the Daniells depiction of the Taj in their Oriental Scenery which was used as a standard model.