At a Party Given in 1507 for Emperor Babur, a Roast Duck Is Carved for Him By His Cousin

Currently not on view

At a Party Given in 1507 for Emperor Babur, a Roast Duck Is Carved for Him By His Cousin

c. 1589

Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Pakistani

This scene depicts Babur, the first Mughal emperor (ruled 1526-30), at a feast in a garden in Herat, Afghanistan. It clearly shows the hierarchy of court life: Babur sits in an open pavilion accompanied by his cousin, who arranged the meal, as servants wave long scarves to ward off flies. Meanwhile the other guests-Babur's close associates and some of his warriors-eat on the ground outside. Babur was only twenty-four years old at this time. Although already an accomplished warrior and leader, he writes that he did not know how to cut up the roast goose placed before him. His cousin graciously carved the bird, receiving the young man's gratitude.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

At a Party Given in 1507 for Emperor Babur, a Roast Duck Is Carved for Him By His Cousin
Page from a dispersed manuscript of the Baburnama (Book of Babur)

Date:

c. 1589

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Pakistani

Medium:

Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 8 1/2 × 5 3/4 inches (21.6 × 14.6 cm) Sheet: 13 7/8 × 9 1/8 inches (35.2 × 23.2 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

The Samuel S. White 3rd and Vera White Collection, 1967

Accession Number:

1967-30-305

Geography:

Possibly made in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia Possibly made in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Asia Possibly made in New Delhi, India, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty (1526-1858) Reign: Akbar (1556-1605)

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Currently not on view