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Alexander the Great before the Corpse of Darius

Francesco Fontebasso

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a group of soldiers gathered around a fallen warrior. The scene is set in a wooded area with large trees and tents in the background. The central fallen warrior is adorned with armor and a helmet, lying on the ground, clutching a shield. Surrounding him, several other warriors, also clad in detailed armor, appear to be attending to or mourning him. The figures are detailed, showcasing intricate armor and helmets with plumes. Horses are present, one being ridden by a soldier in the foreground. In the background, trees are depicted with a delicate texture, and the sky has soft clouds. The composition conveys a sense of camaraderie and the gravity of the situation.

Artwork Details

Date
1750s/1760s
Medium
pen and brown ink over black chalk, brown and gray and red wash, strengthened with pen and black ink and tip of the brush with black wash, heighteend with white gouache (laid on eighteeneth century paper)
Dimensions
3694 × 5180 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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