Image Gallery
Painting of the Siege of Baghdad
This painting comes from an illuminated manuscript of "The History of Genghis Khan". The illustration depicts the Siege of Baghdad (1258 CE) by Hulegu Khan (1218 - 1265 CE), the grandson of Genghis Khan (c. 1162/67-1227 CE). The illumination was painted by Khem Karan (active c. 1580 – 1605 CE) in 1596, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great (r. 1556 – 1605 CE). Akbar was descended from Hulegu Khan, and commissioned manuscripts of "The Life of Genghis Khan" in order to glorify his ancestors.
Originally created in Lahore, Pakistan. Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper. 34.9 x 22.5 cm (13 3/4 x 8 7/8 in.) From the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum.