The Fort at Agra, Etching

Name: The Fort at Agra, Etching
Brand: wh91
Availability: LimitedAvailability

1/3

Estimated value

$100 - $400

Rarity

Average(4/10)

THE FORT AT AGRA, ETCHING: IDENTIFICATION

This appears to be an etching on paper depicting 'The Fort at Agra,' as indicated by the inscription below the image. The scene captures a walled structure, likely the Agra Fort, with intricate details in the architecture and a suggestion of movement with figures and possibly animals in the foreground. The linearity and fine cross-hatching are characteristic of the etching technique, which uses acid to create recessed lines in a metal plate to hold ink.

Compare with other prints in the archive: Abstract Mixed Media Print ('Monoprint'), Abstract Chromatic Lithograph by A. Vrede, Luigi Leisner (1889-1970) - 'Fidelio', Etching of the Vienna State Opera, c. 1920-1940.

COLLECTOR NOTES

The Agra Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage site, served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638 and is a prime example of Mughal architecture in India.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 18 prints items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

Artist signature 'MB' is legible but would require comparison to known works for full authentication.
The 'ED. 100' inscription suggests an edition size, but the lack of an impression number (e.g., 1/100) and specific artist attribution leaves some ambiguity.
Without clearer provenance or artist identification, copies or reproductive prints are possible, though the quality suggests an original impression.

How does authenticity detection work?

PRINT SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Museum-Trained Art Historian

Connoisseur

Confidence is good as the medium and subject are clearly identifiable. However, the lack of a full artist's name and specific impression number prevents higher certainty regarding definitive attribution and rarity within an edition.

KEY EVIDENCE

1The fine linear quality, cross-hatching, and subtle tonal variations are consistent with an etching.
2Inscriptions 'The Fort at Agra,' 'MB', and 'ED. 100' provide essential contextual and quantitative information.
3The paper's aging and deckled edges suggest a period appropriate for such printmaking.
4The general style aligns with landscape and architectural views popular in late 19th to early 20th-century printmaking.

UNCERTAINTIES

•The artist's full name is abbreviated ('MB'), making definitive attribution difficult without further research.
•The absence of an impression number (e.g., 1/100) next to the edition size ('ED. 100') is slightly unusual for some printmakers.
•The pen signature on the image, if a signature, is not clearly integrated and requires scrutiny for authenticity.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Examine the print under magnification for plate marks and the consistency of line work, which can distinguish genuine etchings from photomechanical reproductions.
→Perform a comprehensive search for printmakers active between the late 19th and early 20th centuries using the initials 'MB' who depicted Indian scenes, particularly Agra Fort.
→Investigate if any known catalogues raisonnés or collections of prints feature this specific image or the 'MB' artist.
→Inspect the reverse of the paper for any gallery labels, estate stamps, or other provenance details.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The paper shows signs of age, including some minor foxing (small brown spots) visible, particularly in the lower right portion of the margin. The edges appear deckled, which is typical for handmade papers. The print impression itself seems clear, with no obvious damage to the image area, though light handling creases are possible. The overall condition suggests a well-preserved but aged piece.