Artwork
The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night
The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work illustrates a solitary figure on a shoreline, clutching a small object while gazing toward a tumultuous sea.
About this work
Overview
The work illustrates a solitary figure on a shoreline, clutching a small object while gazing toward a tumultuous sea. Dressed in a white turban and a pink robe, the man appears absorbed in contemplation as waves churn around him, populated by a variety of fish and marine life rendered in vivid hues.
Subject & Meaning
The scene visualizes a narrative from the Tuti‑nama, a collection of parrot tales, in which a Brahman’s dilemma is carried on the wind to a fish, which then relays the message to the Ocean’s king. The painting captures the moment of transmission, emphasizing the interconnection between the earthly and the aquatic realms.
Technique & Style
Executed in a manner reminiscent of traditional Indian miniature painting, the piece employs intricate detailing and a bright palette. Subtle chiaroscuro modeling creates depth, allowing the dark, rolling sea to recede behind the illuminated figure, while the fish and other sea creatures are delineated with fine line work.
History & Provenance
The canvas is identified as a visual interpretation of the eleventh night from the Tuti‑nama. Its origin, date, and ownership trail are not recorded in the supplied information, limiting further provenance discussion.
Artist & collection
The creatures of the sea are asked by the king of the Ocean to take a message to the Brahman, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night
The Parrot Addresses Khujasta at the Beginning of the Eleventh Night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)
The Brahman gives an account of his falling in love with the king of Babylon’s daughter to his friend, the magician, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-fifth Night
The parrot brings a fruit from the Tree of Life to the king of Syria, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Ninth Night
The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-first night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)
The prince and Nikfal are joined by Khalis and the Mukhlis who are the grateful snake and frog in human form, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night
The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-eighth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)