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"Alexander is Lowered into the Sea", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi

Author Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian
Painting attributed to Mukunda
1597–98
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
The Khamsa of the Indian poet Amir Khusrau includes a section on the philosopher-king Alexander the Great, who in Khusrau’s telling of his life led expeditions to China, Russia, and the Western Isles. In this copy of the Khamsa made for the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Alexander is shown being lowered into the sea in a glass diving bell. While underwater, he will receive a visit from an angel who foretells his death.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Alexander is Lowered into the Sea", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
  • Author: Amir Khusrau Dihlavi (Indian, Patiyali, 1253–1325 Delhi)
  • Artist: Painting attributed to Mukunda
  • Date: 1597–98
  • Geography: Attributed to India
  • Medium: Main support: Ink, watercolor, gold on paper
    Margins: Gold on dyed paper
  • Dimensions: H. 9 3/8 in.
    W. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913
  • Object Number: 13.228.27
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
"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
Flower-Style Box with Drawers, Wood (poplar); overlaid with ebony inlaid with wood and incised, stained ivory
Flower-Style Box with Drawers
17th century
"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Govardhan, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"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
"Bahram Gur Sees a Herd of Deer Mesmerized by Dilaram' s Music", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper<br/>Margins: gold on dyed paper
"Bahram Gur Sees a Herd of Deer Mesmerized by Dilaram' s Music", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Author Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
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

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