Moti Masjid: Pearl Mosque in Interior of Fort Agra
1860s–70s
Medium
Albumen silver print from glass negative
Dimensions
22.0 x 28.2 cm (8 11/16 x 11 1/8 in.)
Classification
Photographs
Department
Photographs
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Matthew Dontzin, 1985
Accession Number
1985.1168.17
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite albumen silver print captures serene interior of the Motijid, or Pearl Mosque, within Agra Fort, a jewel of Mughal architecture built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 17th century. Dating to the 1860s–70s, the photograph offers a rare 19th-century glimpse into this sacred space, renowned for its pristine white marble inlays that shimmer like pearls—hence its evocative name. Agra Fort itself, a UNESCO World Heritage, was a powerhouse of imperial power during the Mughal era, blending Islamic artistry with Persian influences in its arches, domes, and intricate jaali screens. Produced as a...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...