Alexander tames Bucephalus 

Simon Fokke created this drawing, "Alexander tames Bucephalus," in the 18th century, a period marked by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and classical ideals. Fokke, working within the Dutch artistic tradition, here engages with the ancient world. The story of Alexander the Great taming Bucephalus is a potent metaphor for leadership and control. In this drawing, we see Alexander, not through brute force, but perhaps through understanding or strategy. He is depicted as a figure of intellect and composure, which contrasts with the wildness of the horse. This scene invites us to consider the complexities of power and the relationship between the ruler and the ruled. Fokke's choice of subject reflects the 18th-century fascination with antiquity. Yet, it also touches on timeless themes of ambition, mastery, and the negotiation between individual will and the forces of nature. It reminds us to look at the layers of history and meaning embedded in our own lives.