Italian Artist, Alexander the Great Conquers Jerusalem, Early 1800s, Mixed Media, Framed

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Mixed media (pencil, pen, brown ink and white chalk) on paper. Italian school of the early 19th century. The scene … Read more Mixed media (pencil, pen, brown ink and white chalk) on paper. Italian school of the early 19th century. The scene represents the meeting between a high priest and a leader: if he is followed by his entire army, with grim and armed soldiers of different ranks, the priest is followed by all the people who chant to the winner, while two young women on their knees offer wreaths of flowers. Behind the scene, the mighty walls with the entrance door to a city, towards which the priest points, almost as if handing it over to the leader. The priest's clothing , in particular the presence of the so-called 'Decision' breastplate that he wears, refer to an Israelite priest, and therefore the city could be Jerusalem; instead the clothing of the victorious leader, with the helmet surmounted by two horses, refers to Alexander the Great, who in 332 BC. actually conquered the city. The drawing is presented in a carved wooden frame from the late 19th century. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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