1560
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The king’s emissary being provided with gifts for his mission to Rum in order to seek the hand of the emperor’s daughter in marriage, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fiftieth Night is a 1560 unspecified by Unknown, a Mughal Painting work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
You see a king on a throne, handing gifts to an envoy while courtiers stack wrapped bundles behind them. The king looks bored, almost sleepy, as if ruling no longer interests him. The story behind this painting comes from a book of parrot tales told in Mughal India. The king’s advisor suggests sending the envoy to win a foreign princess’s hand—not for love, but to shake the king out of his laziness. The bright colors and crowded scene make the court feel alive, even if the king doesn’t. To see more paintings like this, look up *Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)*.
In the background, the enthroned king addresses his emissary while members of his court collect wrapped bundles of goods. The king has conquered all surrounding lands and become indifferent as a result. His vizier suggests marriage to the princess of Rum, secretly hoping that the plan will spur the neglectful king to action.
The king’s attendant holds a flywhisk, called a chauri.
Read the full account in the museum source.
