Artwork Page for Futtypore Sikri—Two of the Marbled Screens in the Tomb of Sheik Selim Chisti

Details / Information for Futtypore Sikri—Two of the Marbled Screens in the Tomb of Sheik Selim Chisti

Futtypore Sikri—Two of the Marbled Screens in the Tomb of Sheik Selim Chisti

1866

Samuel Bourne

(British, 1834–1912)
Culture
India
Medium
albumen print
Measurements
Paper: 23.9 x 29.4 cm (9 7/16 x 11 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2024.79
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Carved marble screens provided not just decoration but also light and air to interiors, while keeping out sun glare and prying eyes.

Description

These elaborate screens decorate the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti (1478-1572). The building, considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, was built in 1580-1581 by the Emperor Akbar to honor the saint, whose prayers he believed had guaranteed the birth of male heirs to the throne.
A horizontal albumen print depicts two intricate marble screens. On the left, a small pointed arch frame contains dense geometric latticework. To the right, a larger rectangular section displays a central pointed arch flanked by smaller panels, all featuring star-shaped patterns. The cream-colored stone shows aged textures. An ornate curved support rises between the screens, while handwritten text marks the bottom right corner of this architectural study.

Futtypore Sikri—Two of the Marbled Screens in the Tomb of Sheik Selim Chisti

1866

Samuel Bourne

(British, 1834–1912)
India

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