Drawing of an Elephant
Unknown Artist
c. 1700
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
20 × 25.3 cm · image: 12.8 × 18.1 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Edward L. Whittemore Fund
Accession Number
1969.65
About this artwork
Beginning with Babur, but especially with Akbar, the Mughal emperors displayed an enormous interest in and affection for the elephants of India. The palace housed many elephants, used by the royal court for practical tasks such as carrying heavy loads through rivers and over difficult ground, for charging into battle, and, sometimes, for executing captives. They were also used for entertainment purposes such as riding, ceremonial processions, hunting, and fighting. Royal elephants were cared for...