Art News

First Printed Depiction of the Taj Mahal to Be Sold in Bonhams India and Beyond Auction

LONDON.- The first printed depiction of one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal, is among the highlights of Bonhams ‘India and Beyond: Travel and Photography’ sale in London on October 4. It is included in a volume of aquatint views of India by William Hodges who travelled through the country in the 1780s executing drawings on the spot. The Taj Mahal appears in the background of a view of the Fort of Agra suggesting that Hodges was more interested in the military installation than the building which in future generations came to symbolise eternal love. This is one of the most important books of aquatints of India and is estimated at £30,000-35,000. The volume is part of a extensive collection of books, photographs and prints about India put together privately over 25 years which makes up the greater part of the sale. Among the other prominent items from the collection are: A complete copy of