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Alexander of Macedon is shown as a youthful warrior posed on a pedestal. This is one of a series showing virtuous men and women of antiquity which decorated a palace in Siena. The inscription underlines the moral. ‘I, Alexander, who conquered the whole world with my own strength, shook off the flames of desire from my heart. It is of no avail to rejoice in the outward triumphs of war if the mind lies sick and rages within’. The small scenes in the distance illustrate Alexander’s virtuous behaviour towards the family of Darius whom he had defeated in battle.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Birmingham

Title

Alexander the Great (356–323 BC)

Date

c.1494

Medium

tempera on wood

Measurements

H 105.4 x W 50.8 cm

Accession number

51.4

Acquisition method

purchased, 1951

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

Inscribed: ALEXANDER/QUI PROPRIUS TOTUM SUPERAVI VIRIBUS ORBEM/EXCUSSI FLAMMAS CORDE CUPIDINEAS NIL IVAT EXTERNIS BELLI GAUDERE TRIUMPHIS/SI MENS AEGRA IACET INTERIUS QUE FURIT

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