"Akbar Hunting with Cheetahs", Folio from a Manuscript of the Akbarnama. Folio from the Davis Album 1579 - 1629

"Akbar Hunting with Cheetahs" is a folio from a manuscript of the Akbarnama, a historical account of the Mughal emperor Akbar's reign. Created between 1579 and 1629 by the artist Abu'l Fazl, it depicts a hunting scene with Akbar riding a horse and his cheetahs chasing down prey. The detailed illustration showcases the splendor and grandeur of the Mughal court, with figures, animals, and landscapes meticulously rendered in vibrant colors. This Mughal miniature exemplifies the fusion of Persian and Indian artistic traditions during Akbar's reign, a period known for its patronage of the arts and the development of a unique artistic style.