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Alexander Fights with a Lion and Kills Clitus

Master of the Jardin de vertueuse consolationabout 1470–1475

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

In front of the remains of a drunken banquet, the young king Alexander stabs the general Clitus. Alexander had belittled the achievements of his own father, King Philip of Macedonia. This enraged Clitus, one of the old generals of the Macedonian army, who spoke out against the young king. Alexander then killed him. Outside on the right, another scene unfolds. Using a spiked club, Alexander slays a lion. Although the text describes his weapon as a hunting spear, the club shown here suggests a parallel between Alexander and Herakles, who fought the Nemean lion with his club.

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  • Title: Alexander Fights with a Lion and Kills Clitus
  • Creator: Master of the Jardin de vertueuse consolation
  • Date Created: about 1470–1475
  • Location Created: Lille (written), France; Bruges (illuminated), Belgium
  • Physical Dimensions: Leaf: 43.2 × 33 cm (17 × 13 in.)
  • Type: Folio
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 83.MR.178.175
  • Culture: French and Flemish
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. Ludwig XV 8, fol. 175
  • Creator Display Name: Master of the Jardin de vertueuse consolation and assistant (Flemish, active 3rd quarter of 15th century)
  • Classification: Manuscripts (Documents)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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