Artwork

The street cleaner, on his way to meet King Bhojaraja, sleeps under a tree where four thieves disguised as fellow travelers deprive him of a priceless pearl, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twelfth Night

The street cleaner, on his way to meet King Bhojaraja, sleeps under a tree where four thieves disguised as fellow travelers deprive him of a priceless pearl, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twelfth 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 originates from a Tuti-nama, a book of parrot tales, created for Emperor Akbar.

About this work

Indian and Persian artists worked together to create a new style—small, lively, and full of little stories.

A man naps under a tree while four thieves creep up to steal a pearl from his turban. The scene glows with tiny gold details and bright colors.

This painting comes from a book of parrot tales made for Emperor Akbar. Indian and Persian artists worked together to create a new style—small, lively, and full of little stories. The emperor liked it so much he ordered bigger projects in the same style.

To see more paintings like this, look up mughal india, court of akbar (reigned 1556–1605).

Overview

This painting originates from a Tuti-nama, a book of parrot tales, created for Emperor Akbar. It depicts a street cleaner, on his way to meet King Bhojaraja, being robbed of a priceless pearl by four thieves disguised as travelers while he sleeps under a tree.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates a narrative of deception and theft, contrasting the sleeper's innocence with the thieves' cunning. The story's inclusion in the Tuti-nama suggests its appeal as a moral or entertaining tale for the imperial audience.

Technique & Style

Executed in a newly formulated Mughal style, the painting features small, lively compositions, intricate gold details, and vibrant colors, reflecting the collaborative work of Indian and Persian artists under Akbar's patronage.

History & Provenance

Created during Akbar's reign (1556-1605), this work is one of the earliest illustrated manuscripts made for the emperor, influencing subsequent projects like the Hamza-nama. Its production showcases the imperial court's artistic innovations.

Context

Part of a broader cultural exchange, the Tuti-nama's style blends Indian and Persian artistic traditions, catering to Akbar's eclectic tastes and marking the inception of the distinctive Mughal manuscript illustration.

Legacy

This painting's style, characterized by its miniature format and detailed ornamentation, paved the way for larger, renowned projects under Akbar, leaving a lasting impact on Mughal art and manuscript production.