Akbar tiger-hunting near Narwar (left half)
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Gouache |
| Current Location: | Victoria and Albert Museum, London (IS.2:18-1896) |
| Location History: | This Akbarnama folio (ca. 1590-95) shows an incident from 1561, when a tigress attacked Akbar's hunting party near Narwar. In this left half of a double-page scene, his companions kill the cubs she was protecting. Basawan composed the scene and Sarwan painted it in opaque watercolour and gold on paper. The hunt displays the emperor's courage and royal power. It is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (IS.2:18-1896). |
In this artwork, there is a very active depiction of Akbar on a tiger hunt in the area of Narwar. In my opinion, it is not just a typical hunting painting but rather a representation of the power, fearlessness, and authority of the Mughal ruler. Akbar is depicted in the middle of the highly dynamic scenery, which is crowded by hunters, animals, horses, elephants, and rocks. Moreover, this picture includes all kinds of very realistic details and colorful figures, making the whole hunt look like a well-organized royal event. The presence of a large number of attendants only adds to the representation of Akbar as a king, who is surrounded by people and can use their services. On the other hand, the conflict between people and wild animals demonstrates the relationship between royal power and nature. Therefore, this painting conveys the message of bravery, leadership, control, and the high status of the emperor. What I find particularly fascinating about this artwork is its crowdedness and dynamics.