Alexander Cutting the Gordian Knot, Study for a Fresco in the Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome 1501 - 1547

This pen and wash drawing by Perino del Vaga is a study for a fresco that would have adorned the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. The drawing depicts the legendary scene of Alexander the Great cutting the Gordian Knot, a complex knot that was said to be untied only by the future ruler of Asia. This work, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases del Vaga's masterful skill in capturing the drama and movement of a historical event, evident in the dynamic composition and expressive figures. The detailed rendering of the figures' anatomy and clothing, as well as the dramatic use of light and shadow, further add to the visual impact of the drawing.