The Passing of Shah Jahan

By Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951)

1902 · Oil on board · 13.976 in × 10 in · Bengal School of Art

Commission a hand-painted reproduction from Panchrang artists.

This painting announced the arrival of a new direction in modern Indian painting where the treatment of Bhava, feeling, becomes the character of his work, arousing nostalgic evocation of history. The passing of Shah Jahan was the first major work that brought in the new movement in Indian art. The painting depicts in minute detail of the old emperor lying on his deathbed, gazing upon the Taj Mahal as it glows across Yamuna River.