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"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album

Painting by Govardhan
Calligrapher Mir 'Ali Haravi
verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1530–50
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
This posthumous portrait of Akbar incorporates the Elizabethan-derived motif of a lion and calf living in peace under the emperor’s benign rule. Govardhan, a master of psychological portraiture, has given the calf an air of meek nervousness, as expressed in its sideways glance and lowered ears, due no doubt to the proximity of the lion’s visible teeth. Cherubs above and a Netherlandish background add cosmopolitan touches in vogue at the time.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
  • Artist: Painting by Govardhan (active ca. 1596–1645)
  • Calligrapher: Mir 'Ali Haravi (died ca. 1550)
  • Date: verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1530–50
  • Geography: Attributed to India
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: H. 15 5/16 in. (38.9 cm)
    W. 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and The Kevorkian Foundation Gift, 1955
  • Object Number: 55.121.10.22
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
"Dervish Leading a Bear", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Govardhan, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Dervish Leading a Bear", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Painting by Govardhan
recto: early 19th century; verso: later copy of 16th century original
"A King Offers to Make Amends to a Bereaved Mother", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold on paper<br/>Margins: Gold on dyed paper
"A King Offers to Make Amends to a Bereaved Mother", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Author Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Painting attributed to Miskin
1597–98
"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Chitarman Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Painted by Chitarman
recto: dated 1627–28; verso: ca. 1530–50
Goa Stone and Gold Case, Container: gold; pierced, repoussé, with cast legs and finials<br/>Goa stone: compound of organic and inorganic materials
Goa Stone and Gold Case
late 17th–early 18th century
"Dervish Leading a Bear", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Govardhan, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Dervish Leading a Bear", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Painting by Govardhan
Calligrapher Mir 'Ali Haravi
recto: ca. 1630–40; verso: ca. 1530–40

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