The astrologer predicts a calamity for the newly born prince in his thirteenth year, but one which he would be able to overcome, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighth Night

c. 1560

Banavari 1

(Indian, active 1550s-1590s)

Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

Overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 6.3 x 9.9 cm (2 1/2 x 3 7/8 in.)

Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.52.b

Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

The bearded astrologer has a chart with calculations on the carpet in front of him.

Description

The parrot’s tale on the eighth night begins with a king in India who finally had a son late in life. The painting depicts the king enthroned, gesturing to the documents of an astrologer who has predicted that the child will undergo severe hardship in his 13th year, but that he will overcome them. The infant prince is held in the arms of a woman kneeling at the left. Female musicians provide accompaniment to the scene. The flat red background, drawn from indigenous Indian painting traditions, visually connotes the emotionally charged quality of this moment for the king.