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The sentinel in the employ of the Shah of Tabaristan prepares to sacrifice his son to the ghost of the Shah’s soul, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Second Night
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The loyal sentinel, in orange, holds a knife to his son’s throat, ready to sacrifice him to save the life of his dying king, the shah. The shah himself watches from behind the tree on the right. At the left, the female personification of the shah’s soul intervenes, saving both the shah and the sentinel’s son.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineThe sentinel in the employ of the Shah of Tabaristan prepares to sacrifice his son to the ghost of the Shah’s soul, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Second Night, c. 1560. Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; painting only: 10.2 x 10.6 cm (4 x 4 3/16 in.); overall: 20.1 x 14.3 cm (7 15/16 x 5 5/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry, 1962.279.16.a
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