The Passing of Shah Jahan.

About The Passing of Shah Jahan

The Passing of Shah Jahan is a miniature painting by the Indian artist Abanindranath Tagore. The painting depicts the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan staring at the Taj Mahal on his deathbed, with his daughter Jahanara Begum at his feet. Initially involved with the dominant style of European Naturalism, Tagore's mentor Ernest Binfield Havell had introduced him to various types of Indian art. Of these varieties, Tagore was most impressed with old Mughal miniatures, which often featured emotionless, but detailed illustrations of scenes and characters. Incorporating this style with the traditional Indian artistic concept of Bhava', or emotion, Tagore had painted a scene based upon the growing re-interest in Indian history during the British Raj.