Alexander de Grote betaalt de schulden van zijn soldaten af c. 1655 - 1665

Leonaert Bramer rendered this pen and wash drawing, "Alexander the Great Pays the Debts of His Soldiers," sometime in the 17th century. Bramer worked in a Netherlands that was building itself into a major economic power on the backs of global trade and military strength, often achieved through violent means. This drawing, which depicts Alexander, the quintessential military hero, uses a scene of benevolence to justify the costs of war. The image suggests that a strong leader takes care of his people. The postures and gestures of the figures suggest that the artist was interested in representing a moment of financial transaction with a consideration for how this exchange reflects on the identities of the individuals involved. Bramer asks us to consider what is lost and what is gained in this transaction. Ultimately, the drawing emphasizes that it is not only military might but also financial compensation that keeps the loyalty of the soldiers, further highlighting how power dynamics are both constructed and maintained.