Alexander the Great - 1494

A Master of Griselda Legend (active c. 1500) is an unidentified Sienese follower of Luca Signorelli (about 1441-1523). His most famous picture is Alexander the Great.

Alexander of Macedon (356 - 326BC) 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 small scenes in the distance illustrate Alexander’s virtuous behaviour towards the family of Darius whom he had defeated in battle.


Latin inscriptions:

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

Translated into English:

"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."





Source: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts