Artwork
The king gives his daughter in marriage to the pious man’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fifty-second Night
The king gives his daughter in marriage to the pious man’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fifty-second 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 illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of parrot tales created for Emperor Akbar.
About this work
The bright colors and tiny details—like the patterns on the king’s carpet—are typical of Mughal art.
A king sits on a golden throne, handing his daughter to a young man in a red robe. Around them, courtiers watch, musicians play, and servants carry trays of food. A dead dragon lies at the prince’s feet.
This painting comes from a book of parrot tales made for Emperor Akbar. The story shows how bravery wins both love and power. The bright colors and tiny details—like the patterns on the king’s carpet—are typical of Mughal art.
To see more like this, look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605).
Overview
This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of parrot tales created for Emperor Akbar. It depicts a royal ceremony where the king rewards a young man for slaying a dragon.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows the king handing his daughter to the young hero, who is being appointed vice-regent. The narrative highlights the rewards of bravery, as the protagonist gains both love and power.
Technique & Style
The painting features characteristic Mughal art elements, including vibrant colors and intricate details such as the patterns on the king's throne and carpet. The composition is populated with numerous figures, including courtiers, musicians, and servants.
History & Provenance
The work was created as part of a manuscript for Emperor Akbar, who reigned from 1556 to 1605. It reflects the artistic style and storytelling traditions of the Mughal court during his rule.
Artist & collection
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Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
The young prince recounts his experiences to his father, the king, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighth Night
The king gives his daughter in marriage to the pious man’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fifty-second Night
King Bahram, who has married Khassa’s daughter, has her tied to a camel to be abandoned in the desert as a result of false accusations made by Khulasa, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fifty-first Night
The king of Bahilistan offers his daughter to the King of Kings, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventh Night
The prince sent back to the place of execution for the sixth time, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighth Night
The king’s emissary being provided with gifts for his mission to Rum in order to seek the hand of the emperor’s daughter in marriage, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fiftieth Night
Mahrusa’s marriage to the prefect of the city, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-sixth Night
The marriage of ‘Ubaid, son of a merchant of Tirmiz, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-second Night
The king of Zabul sees Mahrusa from his palace balcony, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-sixth Night
The marriage of ‘Ubaid, son of a merchant of Tirmiz, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-second Night
The astrologer predicts a calamity for the newly born prince in his thirteenth year, but one which he would be able to overcome, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighth Night