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Timur distributes gifts from his grandson, the Prince of Multan, from a Zafar-nama (Book of Victories)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The Turkic conqueror Timur (1336–1405) is the Mughal emperor Akbar’s most celebrated paternal ancestor. He sits on a terrace, shaded by a crimson awning. The blue carpet with gold border marking his high status is covered with a floral vine pattern that became fashionable in the 1500s. This scene takes place in a territory governed by Timur’s grandson, who sent him gifts of horses, camels, and a variety of luxury items. Timur is in the process of regifting them to members of his entourage in accordance with their merits.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineTimur distributes gifts from his grandson, the Prince of Multan, from a Zafar-nama (Book of Victories), 1598–1600. Shravana (Indian, active 1550s–c.1600). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; sheet: 28.2 x 20.2 cm (11 1/8 x 7 15/16 in.); image: 14.7 x 9.8 cm (5 13/16 x 3 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski, 2012.301