Artwork

The three suitors again begin to quarrel among themselves for the hand of the devotee’s daughter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twentieth Night

The three suitors again begin to quarrel among themselves for the hand of the devotee’s daughter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twentieth 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.

About this work

The men are dressed in rich fabrics, and the scene is packed with tiny details—flowers, animals, and patterns on the walls.

You see three men fighting in a courtyard while a woman watches from a balcony. The men are dressed in rich fabrics, and the scene is packed with tiny details—flowers, animals, and patterns on the walls.

This painting comes from a book of stories told by a parrot to keep its owner from sneaking out at night. The woman in the story is so upset by the men’s behavior that she gives up on love and joins a temple. The artist filled the scene with bright colors and careful lines, showing off the skill of painters in Mughal India.

To see more work like this, look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605).

Overview

This painting depicts a dramatic scene from the Twentieth Night of a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot), where three suitors resume their quarrel for the hand of a devotee’s daughter after a brief collaboration.

Subject & Meaning

The scene contrasts the chaotic brawl among the richly attired suitors in the courtyard with the devotee’s daughter watching from her chamber, ultimately leading to her renunciation of worldly life for a religious devotion, highlighting her disillusionment with the suitors’ behavior.

Technique & Style

Characterized by meticulous lines, vibrant colors, and intricate details (including flora, fauna, and architectural patterns), the work exemplifies the refined artistic traditions of Mughal India during its period.

History & Provenance

Originating from a Tuti-nama manuscript, this painting is associated with the courtly patronage of Mughal India, specifically during or around the reign of Akbar (1556–1605), though direct provenance details are not provided here.

Context

Part of a narrative collection (Tuti-nama) where a parrot tells stories to distract its owner, this piece reflects the cultural and literary richness of Mughal court life, blending moral tales with exquisite visual storytelling.