The young man of Baghdad solicits advice from a friend as his slave girl, who is adept at music, awaits, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-eighth Night Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

The young man of Baghdad solicits advice from a friend as his slave girl, who is adept at music, awaits, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-eighth Night

c. 1560

Mughal India, court of Akbar

(reigned 1556–1605)

Overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 10.3 x 9.9 cm (4 1/16 x 3 7/8 in.)

Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.305.a

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Did You Know?

The girl’s left eye extends beyond the contours of her face, and she wears an ivory plug earring; both are common features of pre-Mughal painting.

Description

The young man, on the right, shares his problem with his friend. His lover, the slave girl, waits in the background, harp in hand. The man has squandered his riches and now seeks a way to earn them back. His friend suggests that he should become a musician and entertain nobility. Finding this advice degrading, the young man declines and decides to sell the girl.