The prince, having deprived the snake of its natural food, a frog, feeds it with a piece of his own flesh, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

The prince, having deprived the snake of its natural food, a frog, feeds it with a piece of his own flesh, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night

c. 1560

Mughal India, court of Akbar

(reigned 1556–1605)

Overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 9 x 10.1 cm (3 9/16 x 4 in.)

Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.132.b

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The tree with red-tipped leaves is a mango tree.

Description

The prince and Good Fortune in the form of a woman came across a pool, here rendered with geometric tile work, tilted up so that the viewer can see it as though from above. A cobra had caught a frog, who cried out for help. The prince freed the frog, who jumped into the water and rejoined his mate. The prince then cut a piece of his own flesh for the snake to eat instead. The wives of the snake and frog then admonished their husbands to return the favor.