"Sultan Bayazid before Timur", Folio from an Akbarnama (History of Akbar) 1575 - 1625

"Sultan Bayazid before Timur" is a folio from the Akbarnama, a commissioned history of Mughal emperor Akbar, illustrated by artist Dharam Das between 1575-1625. The painting depicts a scene of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I kneeling before the conqueror Timur, a poignant visual of defeat and subjugation. The miniature painting, in vibrant colors, captures the intricate details of the Mughal court, and the composition conveys the power dynamics of the scene, with Timur dominating the background and Bayezid, positioned lower in the foreground, illustrating his defeat. This folio exemplifies the Akbarnama's rich visual storytelling, showcasing the Mughal court's artistic patronage during Akbar's reign.