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拍品專文
During Smith's posting as Garrison Engineer in Delhi 1822 - 1831, he was responsible for the care of some of the city's ancient monuments including restoration of the Qutb Minar in 1828 which caused consternation at the time, although it survived two subsequent earth quakes. These ancient monuments were to furnish him with a continual source of inspiration throughout his life. This painting was executed when he was back in England in 1860 and reflects his enduring enthusiasm for Mughal architecture. It may also account for the incorrect location of some of the monuments. On his return to Europe, his knowledge for the field was put to good, if eccentric, use by designing Indian-style palaces for himself in Nice and Paignton.
The Qutb Minar which features in the centre of this picture is one of the most famous monuments in India. The tower stands 72½ meters high and marks the site of the first Muslim kingdom of North India. The oldest part of the mosque complex was built between 1193 and 1198 by Qutb-ud-Din. By the 13th century, the small village Mehrauli had grown around the shrine of the Sufi saint, Qutb Sahib. Later Moghul princes came to hunt and some 19th century British officials built weekend houses, attracted by the area's orchards, ponds and game.
For a note on the artist see lot 25. For other works by the artist see lots 25-28 and 82.
The Qutb Minar which features in the centre of this picture is one of the most famous monuments in India. The tower stands 72½ meters high and marks the site of the first Muslim kingdom of North India. The oldest part of the mosque complex was built between 1193 and 1198 by Qutb-ud-Din. By the 13th century, the small village Mehrauli had grown around the shrine of the Sufi saint, Qutb Sahib. Later Moghul princes came to hunt and some 19th century British officials built weekend houses, attracted by the area's orchards, ponds and game.
For a note on the artist see lot 25. For other works by the artist see lots 25-28 and 82.