The prince rejects the amorous advances of the king’s handmaiden, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighth Night

c. 1560

Mughal India, court of Akbar

(reigned 1556–1605)

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Medium

gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

Measurements

Overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 7.6 x 9.9 cm (3 x 3 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.55.b

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The prince is only thirteen-years-old in the story.

Description

Once the handmaiden got the prince to her rooms, she suggested they have an affair and professed her secret feelings for him. He rebuffed her in silence and departed, disgusted. Insulted and afraid of what the prince might tell the king, she accused the prince of having attempted to rape her. The king then sentenced the prince to death. The handmaiden wears an Indian sari, consisting of an orange printed wrapped skirt secured with a sash, a short red blouse, and a long diaphanous scarf worn over her head. The prince is dressed in the Central Asian tunic and pants customarily worn by the Mughals.