The Entry of Alexander into Babylon 1699 - 1709

Sébastien Leclerc I made this print, "The Entry of Alexander into Babylon," using etching in the 17th or 18th century. This image reveals much about the cultural ambitions of the French court. It depicts Alexander as a heroic figure, welcomed into Babylon. But notice the architecture, it is not truly Babylonian. Instead, it is an idealized vision of classical antiquity mixed with contemporary French design. Leclerc was employed at the court of Louis XIV. The print would have been made to celebrate and amplify the king's own power and glory. Alexander the Great was often seen as a parallel for the French king, a great military leader expanding his empire. Understanding this image means digging into the history of the French monarchy. We must look into how Louis XIV used art and spectacle to reinforce his image as an absolute ruler. The resources to do this kind of work are available in archives, libraries, and museum collections.