Medaillons met de portretten van Phrynicus en Alexander de Grote 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart created this print of Phrynicus and Alexander the Great sometime between 1693 and 1733 using etching. This decorative print presents two ancient figures within elaborate medallions, each flanked by symbolic objects. Made in the Netherlands, this work reflects the 18th-century fascination with classical antiquity. The choice of Phrynicus, an Athenian tragedian, alongside Alexander, a renowned military leader, speaks to the cultural values of the time, which admired both artistic and martial achievement. The inclusion of symbolic objects, such as laurel wreaths and military helmets, further enriches the image with layers of historical and cultural meaning. Prints like this circulated widely and shaped popular perceptions of the distant past. We can learn more about the role of these images by looking into the history of printmaking in the Netherlands and the classical tradition in European art. Ultimately, this print allows us to understand how past societies used and interpreted history for their own purposes.