Artwork

Alexander the Great and Roxana

Alexander the Great and Roxana, by Pietro Rotari, oil, 1756
Alexander the Great and Roxana, by Pietro Rotari, oil, 1756

Alexander the Great and Roxana is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Pietro Rotari. It dates from 1756 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Alexander the Great and Roxana is a Rococo oil painting created by Pietro Rotari in 1756. It is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a historical scene featuring Alexander the Great and Roxana, arranged in a dynamic composition. Alexander, seated on the right, wears a pink toga and holds a red scepter, while Roxana stands on the left in a yellow toga with a blue sash.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by its rich color palette, emphasizing blues, yellows, and pinks. The figures are set against a backdrop of a tree, a building, and a group of people, some armed, adding depth to the scene.

History & Provenance

Pietro Rotari, an Italian painter from Verona known for his realistic and elegant portraits, particularly of women, executed this work. He traveled extensively before settling in Saint Petersburg to work for the Russian court.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pietro Rotari

Artist

Pietro Rotari

Pietro Antonio Rotari (30 September 1707 – 31 August 1762) was an Italian painter of the Baroque period.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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