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The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night

The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night, unspecified, 1560
The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night, unspecified, 1560

The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

The painting was created in 1560 in the Mughal Empire and entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The painting was created in 1560 in the Mughal Empire and entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is attributed to an unknown artist and forms part of the Tuti-nama manuscript series, specifically the forty-third night folio, which depicts a snake concealed in a floral basket revealing itself to a Raja who has recently dismissed his queen. It is catalogued under accession number 1962.279.278.b, dated to 1560, and classified as a miniature painting. No specific exhibition history is recorded in the available sources.

Context

The painting exemplifies Mughal court artistry, depicting narrative complexity within a single compositional frame. Its compositional device lies in the serpentine reveal motif, where the hidden snake functions as both visual surprise and symbolic element, reflecting the Tuti-nama's moral storytelling tradition. The work demonstrates the spatial layering and color characteristic of 16th-century Persianate painting workshops in India.

Overview

The work depicts a well‑dressed man reclining on a plush seat, his head supported by his hand, while a woman in patterned attire stands nearby holding a fan. A snake emerges from a basket of flowers on the floor, its coil winding toward the man's feet. The interior is richly decorated with ornate carpets, gold detailing, and arched windows framed in red‑and‑blue motifs.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates a moment from the forty‑third night of the Tuti‑nama (Tales of a Parrot), a narrative in which a snake reveals itself to a raja after he has dismissed his wife. The juxtaposition of the serpent with the luxurious setting underscores themes of deception, hidden danger, and the moral lessons conveyed through animal characters in the literary tradition.

Technique & Style

Executed in the miniature painting tradition of Persian and Indian manuscripts, the composition employs vivid pigments and intricate patterning. Fine brushwork renders the textiles and architectural elements with precise detail, while gold leaf accents enhance the opulent atmosphere. The use of bright, contrasting colors and delicate line work reflects the aesthetic conventions of courtly illustration.

The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night
The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night

Artist & collection

SAME SUBJECT

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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 snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night?

The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night?

The snake, hidden in a basket of flowers, reveals himself to the Raja who has just sent away his wife, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-third Night is associated with Mughal Painting.