Artwork

Hector, Alexander and Julius Caesar

Hector, Alexander and Julius Caesar, by Hans Burgkmair the Elder, ink, 1516
Hector, Alexander and Julius Caesar, by Hans Burgkmair the Elder, ink, 1516

Hector, Alexander and Julius Caesar is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Burgkmair the Elder. It dates from 1516 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Hector, Alexander and Julius Caesar is a 1516 woodcut print by Hans Burgkmair I, depicting three armored figures in a symbolic grouping.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows Hector, Alexander, and Julius Caesar standing together, their serious demeanor and detailed armor underscoring their symbolic representation rather than a specific historical or battle context.

Technique & Style

Executed in woodcut, the print leverages the medium's capability to render sharp details, evident in the intricate armor, weaponry, and distinct headgear of each figure.

History & Provenance

Created in 1516 by Hans Burgkmair I, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work reflects the Renaissance interest in classical and legendary figures, combining historical and mythological subjects in a single, emblematic composition.

Legacy

The legacy of this specific work is not detailed in the provided information, though it contributes to the broader understanding of Burgkmair's oeuvre and 16th-century printmaking.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.