Artwork

The goldsmith and the carpenter inform the king of a dream in which the golden images plan to desert the city for lack of worshippers, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Third Night

The goldsmith and the carpenter inform the king of a dream in which the golden images plan to desert the city for lack of worshippers, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Third Night is an unspecified painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales told by a parrot.

About this work

This painting comes from a *Tuti-nama*, or "Tales of a Parrot," a book of stories told by a parrot to keep its owner from sneaking out at night.

You see a king under a red parasol, two men bowing before him, and two golden idols in a small shrine above.

This painting comes from a *Tuti-nama*, or "Tales of a Parrot," a book of stories told by a parrot to keep its owner from sneaking out at night. The goldsmith and carpenter here are tricking the king—they claim the idols have left the city because no one worships them anymore. The real plan? Steal the gold.

Look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) to see more of these vivid, storytelling paintings.

Overview

This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales told by a parrot. It depicts a goldsmith and a carpenter deceiving a king about the intentions of two golden idols.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows the king, attended by a parasol, being misled by the goldsmith and carpenter, who claim the idols have abandoned the city due to lack of worship. The idols are shown in a shrine above, while the king and the deceivers are below.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by vivid storytelling and detailed depiction of characters and setting, typical of Mughal Indian art from the court of Akbar.

Context

The Tuti-nama, from which this painting originates, is a series of stories meant to entertain and distract. This particular tale involves a deception where the goldsmith and carpenter plan to steal the golden idols.