Artwork
Page of disasters, from the Tarikh-i Alfi (History of the Thousand [Years])
![Page of disasters, from the Tarikh-i Alfi (History of the Thousand [Years]), by Unknown, unspecified, 1595](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/unknown--page-of-disasters-from-the-tarikh-i-alfi-history-of-the-thou--16c8b92206fa51ff-w1024.webp)
Page of disasters, from the Tarikh-i Alfi (History of the Thousand [Years]) is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1595 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1932.36.a
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
This small painting is from the Tarikh-i Alfi, a historical manuscript commissioned by Mughal Emperor Akbar to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Islam in 1592. The work depicts two simultaneous disasters: a hailstorm in Egypt and an earthquake in Syria.
Subject & Meaning
The scene illustrates a period of turmoil during the 9th century, when the ruling caliph persecuted Shi'ite Muslims. The disasters are presented as potentially linked to the caliph's intolerance, suggesting divine retribution.
Technique & Style
The artist densely composes the page, juxtaposing two catastrophic events. The hailstorm and earthquake are vividly rendered, with large hailstones damaging Egyptian roofs and a jagged fissure splitting the Syrian landscape.
History & Provenance
Created during Akbar's reign, the Tarikh-i Alfi was a grand historical project. This painting is one of many illustrations produced for the manuscript, exemplifying the artistic achievements of the Mughal court.
![Page of disasters, from the Tarikh-i Alfi (History of the Thousand [Years])](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/unknown--page-of-disasters-from-the-tarikh-i-alfi-history-of-the-thou--404ecc0ac902d18b-w320.webp)
Artist & collection
Shah Abu'l Ma'ali
Akbar
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