This painting captures the Victoria Memorial, a large marble monument on the Maidan in Central Kolkata. It stands as a grand testament to colonial architecture, conceived under Lord Curzon’s vision and constructed between 1906 and 1921 to honor Queen Victoria, Empress of India. This monumental structure exemplifies a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, merging British, Mughal, and classical influences. The architectural brilliance of the memorial is attributed to William Emerson, known for his work on Crawford Market and All Saints Cathedral. Emerson’s design, inspired by the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, features a central dome measuring 61 feet in diameter, flanked by four subsidiary domes and chattris. The building, made from pristine white marble sourced from Makrana, Rajasthan—the same marble used for the Taj Mahal—spans 396 feet in length, 283 feet in breadth, and reaches a height of 200 feet. Approximately 196,000 cubic feet of marble were used, giving the memorial its ethereal appearance.

Indian motifs, such as corbels and jalis, are intricately woven into the classical design, creating a seamless blend of styles. A striking feature is the 16-foot-tall Angel of Victory, designed by Vincent Esch and cast by H.H. Martyn & Co., which rotates with wind speeds above 20 km/h, symbolizing triumph and grace. The memorial also features two prominent statues of Queen Victoria. The first, by George Frampton, commemorates Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and was unveiled in Kolkata in 1902. The second, by Thomas Brock, depicts Victoria in her coronation robes and was installed in the central hall, symbolizing her reign and legacy.