Elephant and Rider
A rare drawing to survive from the Mughal period, this sketch was likely made in preparation for an imperial portrait. As a result of water damage, which has effaced most of the elephant, its driver and attendant, the goldladen head and trunk of the beast emerge dramatically from the page.
Credit: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2010
c. 1640
Ink and watercolor on paper
6.0 in
2010.255
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection
