The Battle of Alexander is an oil painting created in 1529 by German artist Albrecht Altdorfer, a pioneer of landscape art and founding member of the Danube School. It depicts the Battle of Issus, which pitted Alexander the Great against Persian King Darius III in 333 BC.
Historical context
The Battle of Issus was one of Alexander the Great’s most important victories in his conquest of the Persian Empire. After defeating the Persian satraps in Asia Minor, Alexander crossed the Dardanelles Strait and faced Darius III on the coastal plain of Issus in Cilicia. Despite his numerical superiority, Darius was routed by Alexander’s tactics and courage, who managed to pierce the center of his army and pursue him to his chariot. Darius fled with a few thousand cavalrymen, abandoning his family and treasures to Alexander.
Description of painting
Altdorfer’s painting offers a vast panorama seen from sky, mixing realism and fantasy. In center we distinguish two armies in full melee with their colorful banners and armor. On right we recognize Alexander Great on his horse Bucephalus wearing feathered helmet lance. On left we see Darius III on his golden chariot surrounded by bodyguards. He extends his hand towards Alexander as if to implore his mercy or offer his submission.
The painting also offers cosmic vision conflict with setting sun on right crescent moon on left symbolizing respectively West East. The landscape is also charged with meaning: on right we see seven arms Nile delta city Tarsus where Alexander met Cleopatra; on left we see Red Sea Alpine mountains evoking Altdorfer’s homeland taste nature.
Analysis
The Battle of Alexander is considered Altdorfer’s masterpiece one most extraordinary works Western painting3. It testifies to technical artistic mastery painter who manages create dynamic harmonious composition despite complexity subject multitude details. It also illustrates Altdorfer’s interest ancient history literary sources notably Quintus Curtius whose account battle he faithfully follows. Finally it reflects political religious context time: commissioned by Duke William IV Bavaria decorate his battle gallery it glorifies military power Christian prince against Turkish threats; it also expresses humanist universalist vision Altdorfer celebrating encounter between two civilizations.
The Battle of Alexander is unique work art history combining historical realism poetic imagination. It reveals talent culture Albrecht Altdorfer one greatest German painters Renaissance. It invites viewer contemplate grandiose fascinating spectacle that transcends limits time space.
