Artwork

The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night

The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night, unspecified, 1560
The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night, unspecified, 1560

The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work illustrates a solitary figure on a shoreline, clutching a small object while gazing toward a tumultuous sea.

About this work

History & Provenance

The artist is unknown, and the work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1962, where it is catalogued as accession number 1962.

The painting is dated to 1560 and was produced in the Mughal Empire as part of a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot) manuscript. The artist is unknown, and the work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1962, where it is catalogued as accession number 1962.279.89.a. No further details about earlier ownership or commission are available in the provided sources.

The painting is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is cataloged under the accession number 1962.279.89.a. The work was created in 1560 within the Mughal Empire. No specific exhibition history for this individual folio is provided in the available records.

Legacy

The painting entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art and has been cited in studies of Mughal manuscript illustration as an example of narrative visual storytelling. Its depiction of a mythic scene from the Tuti-nama has inspired later artists to explore similar allegorical compositions in miniature form.

Overview

The work illustrates a solitary figure on a shoreline, clutching a small object while gazing toward a tumultuous sea. Dressed in a white turban and a pink robe, the man appears absorbed in contemplation as waves churn around him, populated by a variety of fish and marine life rendered in vivid hues.

Subject & Meaning

The scene visualizes a narrative from the Tuti‑nama, a collection of parrot tales, in which a Brahman’s dilemma is carried on the wind to a fish, which then relays the message to the Ocean’s king. The painting captures the moment of transmission, emphasizing the interconnection between the earthly and the aquatic realms.

Technique & Style

Executed in a manner reminiscent of traditional Indian miniature painting, the piece employs intricate detailing and a bright palette. Subtle chiaroscuro modeling creates depth, allowing the dark, rolling sea to recede behind the illuminated figure, while the fish and other sea creatures are delineated with fine line work.

The creatures of the sea are asked by the king of the Ocean to take a message to the Brahman, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night
The creatures of the sea are asked by the king of the Ocean to take a message to the Brahman, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night?

The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night?

The Brahman’s predicament is conveyed by the wind to the fish who carries the news to the king of the Ocean, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eleventh Night is associated with Mughal Painting.