Emperor Akbar Receiving a Book
- Culture
- Indian
- Period
- Mughal dynasty, 1526–1858
- Date
- c.1594–1600
- Classification
- Drawings & watercolors, paintings
- Collection
- Islamic Art
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- image: 8 7/8 x 5 1/8 in. (22.5 x 13 cm)
sheet: 13 5/8 x 9 1/8 in. (34.6 x 23.2 cm)
mount (backing board): 16 1/8 x 11 1/8 in. (41 x 28.3 cm)
mat size: 22 x 16 in. (55.9 x 40.6 cm) - Credit Line
- Gift of J. Lionberger Davis
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 399:1952
NOTES
The enthroned figure in this miniature painting is likely the emperor Akbar. He is receiving a copy of the Akbar-nama (History of Akbar), an illustrated history of Akbar’s distinguished Mongol ancestry and accomplishments during his long reign. The simple turban, almond-shaped eyes, drooping moustache, sideburns, and distinctive oval-shaped ear all conform to known images of Akbar.
The Akbar-nama was commissioned in 1590 for Akbar’s minister Abu’l Fazl (died 1602). The manuscript was illustrated with paintings in two separate projects in the later 1590s and in 1604. This painting is likely from the first project. The fine ink and gold border is from the Persian lexicon Farhang-i-Jahangiri, dated 1608, and was added in the 19th or early 20th century.
The Akbar-nama was commissioned in 1590 for Akbar’s minister Abu’l Fazl (died 1602). The manuscript was illustrated with paintings in two separate projects in the later 1590s and in 1604. This painting is likely from the first project. The fine ink and gold border is from the Persian lexicon Farhang-i-Jahangiri, dated 1608, and was added in the 19th or early 20th century.
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