Alexander and Roxana 

Peter Paul Rubens painted 'Alexander and Roxana' some time in the 17th century. The artwork captures the wedding night of Alexander the Great and Roxana, Alexander is placing a crown on her head while cupids play around them. The painting offers a fascinating insight into the politics of imagery during the Baroque period. Rubens, a Fleming, was working at a time when the display of wealth and power was crucial for solidifying social status. This artwork with its opulent colours and classical references, catered to the tastes of the elite, showing an idealised version of marriage and conquest. The choice of Alexander the Great, a figure of immense historical and cultural significance, elevates the subject matter. By studying period documents, such as letters, biographies, and art criticism, we can better understand the cultural values that informed Rubens's artistic choices. Art, after all, does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects and shapes the society that produces it.