Image source: slam.org
Joseph Telling His Dream to His Father
Artist:Keshav Das
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | British Museum, London, United Kingdom |
| Location History: | The painting was painted during the Mughal period of Emperor Akbar during 1590 by painter Kesu Das. The painting was later collected by Emperor Jahangir, who had a beautifully decorated album page featuring Persian calligraphy by Mir Ali. Over the years the album was dispersed, and this eventually entered the collection of J. Lionberger Davi, who donated it to the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri, USA. |
The above artwork by Kesudas, a Mughal era painter tells the story of Joseph revealing his dream to his father and siblings. Under the patronage of Emperor Akbar, the artist highlights the biblical story amalgamating the Western European tradition with Mughal artistic features. Hree, we do not find a replica of the story rather an independent interpretation which proves the exceptional skills of Kesudas. The Persian calligraphy visible in the central panel is by Mir Ali. The gold flecked margin depicting royal hunt scene was later commissioned by Jahangir, son and successor of Akbar.
Information Compiled by
Anuska Biswas