Taj Mahal Mausoleum, Agra 1874 - 1876

Vasily Vereshchagin painted this view of the Taj Mahal mausoleum, Agra, with oils. Vereshchagin's rendering of the Taj Mahal is particularly interesting when we consider the original building itself. Its shimmering marble facade reflects the light, and the whole complex, including the red sandstone structures, speaks to an intense investment of labor. This was all marshalled by imperial power. When we consider the amount of effort required to quarry, transport, and carve stone on this scale, we see that these materials have imbued the building with significant social and cultural meaning. Vereshchagin has captured this effect with his brushstrokes, evoking the intense sunlight and careful placement of the building. This gives the painting a kind of authenticity, revealing the historical and social context of the site, and challenging our traditional ideas about fine art and craft.