Three identically sized Company school precise watercolors, circa 1840-1845, of exquisite Mughal architecture from Agra, likely from the same folio. Each was executed by an English artist during the rule of the British Raj, a time in which there was a particular Western fascination with the culture of the Indian Subcontinent. The first painting depicts the Taj Mahal, built circa 1630s-40s. The second depicts the Tomb of the I'timad-ud-Daula, built circa 1620s. The third depicts the Tomb of Salim Chishti, built circa 1580. The sheet on which the Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah is depicted bears an 1840 J. Whatman watermark. The sheet on which the Taj Mahal is depicted also bears a Whatman watermark which appears to match the first watermark, but is partially unreadable behind the image. Each sheet measures 4 3/4" x 6 3/4" and is given in a simple 1/2" frame.
Condition
There is a smudge to the right edge on the Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah, and a couple of small stains to the bottom right corner of the Tomb of Salim Chishti. Very faint staining/soiling across the three sheets.