The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of January 30, 2023

The son of the pious man slays the dragon, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fifty-second Night

c. 1560

Part of a set. See all set records

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: 9 x 10.5 cm (3 9/16 x 4 1/8 in.)

Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.337.b

Location

not on view

Fun Fact

The white holes in this page are from insect damage.

Description

The mangled body of the dragon lies at the young man’s feet. Two poisoned arrows protrude from its side. The man has killed the dragon in hopes of marrying the king’s daughter. Although many warriors and brave men have failed at this task, the young man succeeds with ease.

Provenance
Estate of Breckenridge Long, Bowie, MD, 1959; Harry Burke Antiques, Philadelphia, PA; Bernard Brown, Milwaukee, WI;
Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1962.279.337.b