Recto:

Yusuf is drawn from the well, c.1590.

The first of two works amongst these folios ascribed to the artist Bhagvati, this painting depicts the scene when travelling merchants draw Yusuf (the biblical Joseph) from the well into which he has been thrown by his jealous brothers. Yusuf's head and shoulders can be seen emerging from the dark well in the centre foreground while the figures around his express their surprise and interest. In the background, the typical trappings of a merchant's caravan are dispersed across the rocky ground: vessels, banners, tables, and other goods to be sold at market while behind them horses and camels stand waiting with their grooms.

Besides the two from this album, the only other known painting ascribed to the artist Bhagvati can be found in the British Museum. It depicts the Mughal emperor Humayun with two Hajjis and has traditionally been dated c.1555-6. On close inspection, the style of the work does not match the period and it is more likely to be a copy after a (now-lost) Humayun period painting or drawing. As in the British Museum painting, the figures in this painting ascribed to Bhagvati are strongly Persianate in their features and clothing. It is likely that this is also a copy of an earlier work and that they both date to c.1590.

 
Unidentified verse on pale sand coluored paper:

Signed: 'The poor Abd al-Rahim the calligrapher'.



Verso:

Religious verse written on pale sand coloured paper decorated with large gold flecks.

Signed: 'The sinful slave, Muhammad Husayn. May God pardon him'.