Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

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, unspecified, 1560
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, unspecified, 1560

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. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This scene visualizes a moral tale of deception and loss, where the protagonist's trust in strangers leads to the forfeiture of a valuable possession.

The painting illustrates a narrative episode from the Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot), specifically titled "Twelfth Night." The subject depicts a street cleaner traveling to meet King Bhojaraja who falls asleep beneath a tree. While he sleeps, four thieves, disguised as fellow travelers, approach and steal a priceless pearl from him.

This scene visualizes a moral tale of deception and loss, where the protagonist's trust in strangers leads to the forfeiture of a valuable possession. The imagery serves as an illustration of the story's cautionary themes regarding vigilance and the treachery of false companions.

History & Provenance

The painting is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland. The work is cataloged under the accession number 1962.279.97.a. Created in 1560, this piece is part of the museum's holdings of Indian manuscript illumination. No specific exhibition history is recorded in the provided sources.

Overview

The work illustrates a narrative scene from the medieval Persian collection Tuti‑nama, depicting a street cleaner on his way to meet King Bhojaraja. He is shown asleep beneath a leafy tree, while four other figures, dressed in vivid orange, yellow and purple garments, surround him. A small bird is perched in the upper right corner, adding a decorative element to the composition.

Technique & Style

Executed in a bright palette, the painting employs flat areas of color and decorative patterning typical of Persian manuscript illustration. The foliage is rendered with thick green leaves and pink blossoms, creating a stylized natural setting. Elegant calligraphic text frames the image at the top and bottom, linking the visual narrative to its literary source.

Context

Tuti‑nama, meaning “The Parrot’s Book,” compiled stories that combined entertainment with ethical instruction. This particular episode, titled “Twelfth Night,” reflects the tradition of using vivid visual storytelling to complement the text, a common practice in Persian illustrated books that served both literary and didactic purposes.

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

Artist & collection

VISUALLY SIMILAR

Similarity 98 percent

SAME SUBJECT

Similarity 96 percent
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 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 held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is 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 associated with Mughal Painting.