The Marriage of Alexander and Roxana

Cochin employed a red‑ink drawing technique on paper, a common medium for 18th‑century reproductive prints. The line work delineates the muscular forms of the principal figures and the lively gestures of the cherubs, whose varied activities—playing instruments, bearing tools, or holding spears—add dynamism to an otherwise flat background.

The image derives from Raphael’s earlier study, which entered the prestigious Crozat Collection before being rendered by Cochin. The practice of copying celebrated designs was typical for the period, allowing broader dissemination of Raphael’s compositions through the print medium.

In the 18th century, reproductions of Renaissance masters served both educational and decorative purposes. Cochin’s adaptation reflects the era’s interest in classical antiquity and the heroic narratives associated with figures like Alexander, aligning with contemporary tastes for grand historical subjects.