Alexander the Great and Porus, 1750, Oil on Canvas

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Monumental 18th-century French battle. Oil painting on canvas depicting the Battle of Hydaspes, in which Alexander the Great defeated the … Read more Monumental 18th-century French battle. Oil painting on canvas depicting the Battle of Hydaspes, in which Alexander the Great defeated the Indian king Porus. A painting of considerable size and extraordinary pictorial quality, the epic chaos of the battle takes shape in a whirlwind of bodies, each figure expertly orchestrated to create a dynamic and theatrical scene.

The balanced composition, the plastic force of the anatomies, and the richness of the colors reveal a technical mastery of the highest order, worthy of the finest schools of French historical painting. In the background, we see slaughtered elephants, a symbol of the Eastern power overwhelmed by Alexander's genius. In the center, we find the Macedonian king in splendid armor, riding his inseparable Bucephalus.

At his feet, the wounded Indian king is supported and carried before Alexander, who, in a gesture of compassion and respect, grants him the honors of war and restores his throne. The Macedonian king once again proved himself magnanimous and not cruel, recognizing in Porus a worthy adversary, transforming a defeated enemy into an honored ally. The artwork elegantly harks back to the pictorial cycle Charles Le Brun created for Louis XIV in 1673, now exhibited at the Louvre in Paris.

This rare and majestic historical scene is aimed at a discerning collector, someone seeking not just a painting but a symbol of nobility and authority. Ideal for professional studios or luxury hotels, it is also perfect for large, prestigious classical and contemporary salons. The painting has already been restored with re-lining, replacement of the stretcher, and restoration of small areas of color. Overall, it is in good condition. See less