Who painted Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria?

Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria was painted by Placido Costanzi in 1736.

Where can I see Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria?

Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria is held by Walters Art Museum.

What movement is Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria?

Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria?

Museum-quality prints of Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria

Placido Costanzi , 1736

Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Placido Costanzi. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria is a 1736 oil painting by Placido Costanzi, a late-Baroque Italian artist, now in the Walters Art Museum collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a pivotal moment from antiquity: Alexander the Great founding the city of Alexandria. At the center, Alexander, identifiable by his red cape and helmet, gestures towards the emerging cityscape, conveying leadership and vision.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Rococo style, the work showcases dynamic composition and vivid color, generating a sense of energy. Intricate details, such as a figure with a scroll and another with a dog, demonstrate Costanzi's skill in realism and storytelling.

History & Provenance

Created in 1736, the painting is a notable secular work by Costanzi, known primarily for his religious art in Roman churches. He later directed Rome’s Accademia di San Luca from 1758.

Context

While Costanzi's oeuvre is predominantly religious, this historical scene reflects the 18th-century European fascination with classical antiquity, aligning with broader artistic and intellectual trends of the time.