Alexander at the Oracle of Delphi, (painting)

Object Details

artist

LeBrun, Charles

Subject

Alexander The Great

Appears in exhibition catalog as entry no. 29

The subject of this picture has a singular origin, being a combination of mythological tradition with history, which may not be unamusing even to those who are well read, to repeat. Alexander after the battle of the Granicus having subdued all before him, arrived at the city of Gordiam, where he had ordered his new levies to meet him. He there visited the Ancient Palace of Gordius, anxious of beholding the chariot, on the pole of which was tied the famous knot in which the fate of Asia was believed to be involved. Gordius a Shepherd had a son named Midas, of whom the Oracle of Jupiter prophesied he should be King. He became King, and in gratitude to Jupiter consecrated his Father's Chariot, fastening it by a cord made of the inner rind of the Cornel Tree. This knot was so subtly tied that the keenest eye could not perceive either end. On consulting this oracle it answered that he who cold untie that knot should be lord of Asia. Alexander cut it with his sword. [P. 14.]

A Catalogue of a Collection of Oil Paintings: lately arrived in this Country, from the Galleries of Milan, Venice, &c. now exhibiting at Corinthian Hall Gallery: corner of Federal and Milk Streets, April 25, 1831. Boston: from the Press of W.W. Clapp, No. 14 Congress Street.

1876

Control number

AECI 06260029

Type

Paintings

Exhibition Catalogs

Medium

Oil

Pre-1877 Art Exhibition Catalogue Index

Topic

History--Ancient--Persia

History--Ancient--Egypt

Portrait male

Occupation--Military

Occupation--Occult--Fortune Teller

Record ID

siris_aeci_111233

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