Album met scènes uit het leven van Alexander de Grote c. 1655 - 1665

This album, now held in the Rijksmuseum, was crafted by Leonaert Bramer, and contains scenes from the life of Alexander the Great. Observe the cover. It is adorned with decorative borders, hinting at the treasures within. These motifs, etched into the leather, are not merely ornamental; they are echoes of classical antiquity, resurfacing in the 17th century, a testament to the enduring allure of the Hellenistic world. Consider the laurel wreath, a recurring emblem. From ancient Greece to Roman triumphs, it signified victory and honor. But here, it appears on the cover of a book. It has been subtly transformed. Over time, the wreath continues to surface, adorning political leaders, athletes, and artists alike. This continuous re-emergence speaks to our collective, subconscious longing for recognition. These symbols, etched into the album, connect us to a historical narrative, to the emotional weight carried by images across time and space.