Alexander The Great On His Sickbed 1806

Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg's 1806 painting, "Alexander the Great on his Sickbed," depicts the legendary Macedonian king in a moment of vulnerability. The scene captures Alexander as he lies in his bed, seemingly weakened by illness, while a physician reads from a scroll. The dramatic use of light and shadow emphasizes the somber mood of the painting, while the surrounding figures create a sense of urgency and the inevitable passing of the great conqueror. This depiction of the historical event, along with the realistic portrayal of the figures, reflects the Neoclassical style that was popular in the early 19th century.