Albrecht Altdorfer
Today we continue our special month with the Alte Pinakothek collections with this absolutely classical piece of German Renaissance art; it is one of the best known battle scene in Western art. Enjoy!
The victory over the King of Persia, Darius III, at Issus in 333 BC helped strengthen Alexander the Great’s position as ruler over the eastern Mediterranean. The painting gives an impression of the extent of this vast empire. Altdorfer orientated his work on the cartographic material of his time.
The artist shows the dramatic climax of the battle. The early morning moon and the setting evening sun indicate the temporal dimension of the battle, while the bird's-eye view over the Mediterranean lends expression to the world-historical significance of the moment. The billowing of the fighting masses seems to be reflected in the turbulent clouds, but the sky clears visibly, as does the situation that has become history: The loser Darius turns to flee, the victorious Alexander takes up pursuit.
The panel with the Latin inscription that was later altered provides details and the casualties of this battle. The red cord attached draws the eye to the protagonists. The work is part of a cycle of history paintings that Duke William IV commissioned for the Residence in Munich.
P.S. This painting looks a bit like a scene from the Lord of the Rings, doesn't it (zoom it to see all those details!)? Did you know J. R. R. Tolkien was not only a writer but he also made illustration and paintings. Explore the amazing world of Tolkien's imagination.