Alexander de Grote verslaat Darius in een veldslag 1690 - 1711

This engraving by Pierre Picault depicts Alexander the Great defeating Darius in battle, teeming with symbols of power and fate. Observe the eagle soaring above, a symbol of victory, directly over Alexander, whose virtue and skill lead his armies to triumph. Now, let your mind wander through history! Consider the eagle motif, a symbol seen throughout millennia, from Roman standards to modern national emblems. In ancient Rome, the eagle was associated with Jupiter, king of the gods. Here, it echoes that divine approval, yet its presence also subtly shifts. It's no longer merely divine sanction, but a reflection of Alexander's personal virtus. This intertwining of personal achievement and divine favor marks a transition in how power is perceived and legitimized. How potent is this image! The chaos of battle, the determined hero, and the looming eagle engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, stirring primal emotions tied to victory and defeat. The visual language of power, fear, and triumph are all recurring themes in our collective memory. This visual vocabulary resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in each historical context, always reflecting the shifting dynamics of human ambition and divine will.