Koning Porus voor Alexander de Grote 1722 - 1758

Nicolas Jean Baptiste Poilly created this print, titled 'King Porus before Alexander the Great', in the 18th century. It depicts a moment of subjugation, yet also apparent respect, between two powerful men. Let’s consider what it meant to portray this scene during the Enlightenment. European society was grappling with questions of power, authority, and the rights of man. By depicting a foreign king humbled before Alexander, Poilly engages with the era’s fascination with both classical history and contemporary power dynamics. This representation isn't just about historical events; it reflects the artist's cultural context and the values of his time. The print invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of power, cultural difference, and the legacy of historical figures. The engraving reveals as much about the 1700s as it does about antiquity. It prompts us to reflect on how historical narratives are constructed and how they reflect the values and biases of the societies that create them.