"Asaf khan Presents Offerings (?)", Folio from a Manuscript of the Akbarnama. Folio from the Davis Album
This painting from the Akbarnama has been identified as depicting the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605) receiving spoils of war from his leading general Asaf Khan in Jaunpur in 1565. The text specifies that Asaf Khan brought the rarities of the region for the emperor, and presented him with elephants, and fine horses from Iran and Turkey. However, in other versions of the Akbarnama Asaf Khan is shown with distinctive Tajik features and whitening beard, therefore this remains a tentative identification.
Written by the courtier Abu'l Fazl between 1589 and 1598, the Akbarnama chronicles the life of the emperor Akbar. This painting is one of eight folios from the so-called "Chester Beatty Akbarnama" in the Davis album.
Written by the courtier Abu'l Fazl between 1589 and 1598, the Akbarnama chronicles the life of the emperor Akbar. This painting is one of eight folios from the so-called "Chester Beatty Akbarnama" in the Davis album.
Artwork Details
- Title: "Asaf khan Presents Offerings (?)", Folio from a Manuscript of the Akbarnama. Folio from the Davis Album
- Author: Abu'l Fazl (Indian, Agra 1556–1602 Deccan Plateau)
- Date: ca. 1604
- Geography: Attributed to India
- Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
- Dimensions: Page: H. 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm)
W. 8 1/4 in. ( 21 cm)
Painting: H. 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm)
W. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm) - Classification: Codices
- Credit Line: Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915
- Object Number: 30.95.174.12
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Abu'l Fazl
early 17th century
Abu'l Fazl
ca. 1604
Abu'l Fazl
Manohar
ca. 1604
Abu'l Fazl
ca. 1604
Abu'l Fazl
Manohar
ca. 1604
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.