Artwork

The infant son of the king of Isfahan responds to music, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirteenth Night

The infant son of the king of Isfahan responds to music, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirteenth Night is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting, 'The infant son of the king of Isfahan responds to music,' is an illustration from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales.

About this work

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

You see a baby prince in a golden crib, dressed in bright orange, sitting up to listen to musicians. Other children sleep around him. The room is rich with patterns—carpets, pillows, and instruments in every corner.

This painting comes from a book of parrot tales made for Emperor Akbar’s court. The artists worked in small teams, each specializing in one part—faces, fabrics, or flowers. The prince’s reaction isn’t just cute; it’s meant to show he’s destined to rule.

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

Overview

This painting, 'The infant son of the king of Isfahan responds to music,' is an illustration from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales. It depicts a young prince reacting to music played by a group of musicians.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows a baby prince, dressed in orange, sitting up in a golden crib to listen to musicians, while other children around him remain asleep. The prince's response is meant to signify his noble nature and future greatness as a ruler.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by its rich patterns and detailed depiction of the room, including carpets, pillows, and instruments. The artists who created it worked in specialized teams, focusing on specific elements such as faces, fabrics, or flowers.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of a manuscript created for the court of Emperor Akbar, who reigned from 1556 to 1605. The Tuti-nama was produced during the Mughal period in India, known for its vivid and detailed artistic style.