"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album 1505 - 1655

"Akbar With Lion and Calf" is a 16th-17th century Mughal miniature painting by the artist Govardhan. This folio from the Shah Jahan Album depicts Mughal emperor Akbar, known for his religious tolerance, standing with a lion and a calf. The scene is framed with an ornate border decorated with flowers and leaves. The presence of angels in the sky, holding a crown, symbolizes Akbar's divine right to rule. The painting highlights the Mughal dynasty's patronage of the arts and its depiction of powerful rulers. This miniature painting showcases the sophisticated artistry and cultural influences of the Mughal period, which blended Persian, Indian, and Islamic traditions.