Alexander begenadigt de familie van Darius 1537 - 1620

This drawing by Italian artist Pellegrino Tibaldi depicts a scene from the story of Alexander the Great. It shows Alexander extending his hand in mercy to the family of the Persian king Darius, who had been defeated in battle. The composition is dominated by the figures of Alexander and a woman representing Darius' wife, with other family members surrounding them. This drawing is a study for a larger fresco that Tibaldi likely completed in the second half of the 16th century. It was a common practice among Renaissance artists to create preparatory sketches like this one before embarking on a larger project.