Pair of 18th Century French Lithographs, Battle Scenes With Alexander the Great

Details

Description

Taken from a series of paintings by Charles Le Brun, the 17th-century French artist who served as court painter to … Read more Taken from a series of paintings by Charles Le Brun, the 17th-century French artist who served as court painter to Louis XIV, this pair of lithograph battle scenes depicts two military events in the life of Alexander the Great. Originally engraved by Gérard Audran in the 1670s, the lithographs were commissioned by Louis XIV to glorify his reign using Alexander as an allegory. Our prints date to the 1700s and have been encased in glassed-in brown wooden frames. The monochromatic renderings are accompanied by a synopsis, in both French and Latin.

(Left print in main photo) Alexander and Porus: The aftermath of the Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC), where Alexander was impressed by the valor of Indian King Porus, as he continued to fight from his war elephant despite having lost the battle. La vraye valeur est touiours invincible/virtus timoris nescia sordidi (“True worth is always invincible”).

(Right print in main photo) The Battle of Arbela: Alexander’s decisive victory over Darius II in 331 BC. The Persian forces attempt to flee as Alexander’s cavalry, chariots, and war eagle press forward. La vertu est digne de l’empire du monde/digna orbis imperio virtus (“Virtue is worthy of ruling the world”). See less