Who painted An Ayyar murders Qubad in his sleep?

An Ayyar murders Qubad in his sleep was painted by Unknown in 1570.

Where can I see An Ayyar murders Qubad in his sleep?

An Ayyar murders Qubad in his sleep is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is An Ayyar murders Qubad in his sleep?

An Ayyar murders Qubad in his sleep is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

An Ayyar murders Qubad in his sleep

Unknown , 1570

An Ayyar murders Qubad in his sleep is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1570 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The painting is one of the surviving illustrations from the Hamzanama, a monumental Persian manuscript commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar around 1562. Intended to depict the legendary exploits of Hamza, the work originally comprised roughly 1,400 miniatures; fewer than two hundred have endured to the present day.

Subject & Meaning

This miniature portrays the nocturnal killing of Qubad, the second son of Hamza. According to the narrative, Anushirvan, Hamza’s father‑in‑law, dispatched a servant to eliminate a specific prince. The servant mistakenly entered Qubad’s camp and assassinated the sleeping youth, illustrating themes of miscommunication and tragic fate within the epic.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Mughal miniature tradition, the scene employs delicate brushwork and a subtle gradation of tones reminiscent of sfumato, creating a softened atmospheric effect. The composition balances intricate detail in the figures with a muted background, characteristic of courtly Persian painting adapted to Akbar’s artistic reforms.

History & Provenance

The Hamzanama was produced over fifteen years under imperial patronage, drawing on an established oral tradition that had been transcribed into Persian for the court. The surviving panels, including this one, were likely separated from the original codex during later centuries, entering various collections as the manuscript was dismantled.

Context

The epic’s protagonist, Hamza, is loosely based on the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, and the stories blend Islamic heroism with fantastical elements. Akbar’s commission reflects his interest in synthesizing diverse cultural narratives and fostering a syncretic artistic environment within his empire.