Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Artwork

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

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, unspecified, 1560
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, unspecified, 1560

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 is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The painting illustrates a festive court scene taken from the eighth night of the Tuti‑nama (Tales of a Parrot).

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The subject centers on the interaction between the seer and the infant, highlighting a narrative of foretold hardship coupled with eventual triumph.

The painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama in which an astrologer foretells a calamity that will befall a newborn prince in his thirteenth year, yet assures that the prince will overcome this adversity. The subject centers on the interaction between the seer and the infant, highlighting a narrative of foretold hardship coupled with eventual triumph. Symbolically, the prophecy conveys themes of fate and destiny, while the assurance of overcoming the calamity suggests resilience and the human capacity to confront and surmount predetermined challenges.

Technique & Style

The miniature is executed in paint on paper, forming the visual narrative of the eighth night of the Tuti-nama. The work belongs to the Mughal painting tradition of the mid-sixteenth century, as indicated by its classification and dated creation in 1560. The composition demonstrates a refined handling of line and subtle gradations of colour, typical of courtly manuscript illumination from that period.

History & Provenance

The painting was created in 1560 as part of the Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot) manuscript, a Persian literary work adapted into a visual narrative. Its creation is attributed to an unidentified artist active during the Mughal period in South Asia.

The work has been part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection since at least 1962, where it is cataloged under accession number 1962.279.52.b. No earlier ownership history or commissioning details are documented in available sources.

The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, cataloged under accession number 1962.279.52.b. It was created in 1560 and has been exhibited at the museum as part of its South Asian art holdings, though specific exhibition records are not detailed in the source.

Overview

The painting illustrates a festive court scene taken from the eighth night of the Tuti‑nama (Tales of a Parrot). A king seated on a gilded throne, scantily clad and holding a serving tray, is surrounded by musicians, dancers and onlookers in vivid garments. A scholar in yellow reads aloud, while a woman in orange spins, all set against a deep red curtain and a decorative striped border.

Context

Courtly manuscripts such as this served both educational and decorative purposes, reinforcing dynastic legitimacy by linking rulers to prophetic wisdom. The scene reflects a cultural milieu in which astrology, literature and performance converged to articulate royal authority and communal resilience.

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
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, Banavari 1

Artist & collection

SAME SUBJECT

Similarity 100 percent

VISUALLY SIMILAR

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see 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?

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 is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is 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?

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 is associated with Mughal Painting.