Koning Darius III 1585

This is an engraving of King Darius III, made by an anonymous artist. It's an image that can tell us much about how historical figures were constructed in the popular imagination, and how this linked to contemporary social issues. We see Darius in classical garb, in the midst of battle, but the clues as to the print’s cultural origins lie in the Latin text above the image. This would have circulated widely across Europe. Thinkers of the period looked to the classical world for political lessons and social norms. In particular, the figure of Darius, defeated by Alexander the Great, would have served as a model for thinking about contemporary rulers. Was he a figure of tragic nobility or simply a failed leader? These kinds of questions were hotly debated in the 17th century. To understand them fully, we need to look at the print’s dissemination and reception, reading pamphlets, letters and political commentaries. The image may seem remote, but its power lies in how it spoke to a very specific cultural moment.