"Akbar Hunting", Folio from an Akbarnama (History of Akbar)

Unknown

late 16th century · Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

This painting, a display of imperial prowess, strength, and courage, is from a now-dispersed illustrated manuscript of the Akbarnama, the chronicle of Emperor Akbar's life. It shows the emperor lunging from the saddle to strike a lioness with his long-bladed sword, or shamshir shikargar. Below him, a courtier takes a Parthian shot (made facing backward in the saddle while at full gallop) at a second lion attacking from behind. The dynamic and dangerous action of the hunt is set against a beautifully modulated Persian-style rocky landscape, with dense trees and wondrous mountains filling the upper horizon.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th century

Medium

Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1911