Alexander de Grote bij de familie van Darius 1666 - 1707

Gérard Edelinck created this print, Alexander at the Tent of Darius, in the Netherlands, most likely in the late 17th century. The image depicts Alexander the Great visiting the captured family of Darius, the defeated Persian king. The scene is rendered with a keen eye for detail, showcasing the opulence of the Persian court, now under Macedonian control. Prints such as this one were often produced for a growing market of collectors and art enthusiasts. The engraving technique allowed for the wide distribution of images, thus shaping public perception of historical and political events. The visual codes within the image – the gestures of submission, the expressions of grief, the exoticism of the setting – tell a story of conquest and cultural exchange, albeit from a distinctly European perspective. By studying such artworks alongside historical texts and material culture, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, power, and cultural identity.