By Alte Pinakothek, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen
Alte Pinakothek, Bavarian State Painting Collections
The Battle of Alexander at Issus (1529) by Albrecht AltdorferOriginal Source: Object in the Online-Collection of the Pinakotheken
The victory over the King of Persia, Darius III, at Issus in 333 BC helped strengthen Alexander the Great's position as ruler over the eastern Mediterranean.
The painting gives an impression of the extent of this vast empire.
Altdorfer orientated his work on the cartographic material of his time.
The panel with the Latin inscription that was later altered provides details and the casualties of this battle.
The red cord attached to it draws the eye downward to the protagonists.
The many lances of the warriors are also guiding the eye of the beholder.
The picture is part of a cycle of history paintings that Duke William IV commissioned for the Residence in Munich.
#Kunstminute | Martin Schawe: Albrecht Altdorfer, Alexanderschlacht (Schlacht bei Issus)Alte Pinakothek, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen
© Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen
Visit the Website of the Alte Pinakothek
