Alexander the Great Offering His Concubine Campaspe to the Painter Apelles 1793 - 1797

This black chalk drawing by Gaetano Gandolfi, created between 1793 and 1797, depicts the famous story of Alexander the Great offering his concubine Campaspe to the painter Apelles. This classical subject matter was popular in the Neoclassical period, when artists were inspired by the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Gandolfi's drawing captures the dramatic moment of the exchange, with Alexander's regal presence contrasted by the shy demeanor of Campaspe and the attentive focus of Apelles. The artist's masterful use of line and shading creates a sense of depth and volume, adding to the drawing's captivating visual impact. The drawing, rendered in black chalk, is characteristic of Gandolfi's style, which often employed this technique for its versatility and ability to capture subtle nuances of light and shadow.