Artist: Albrecht Altdorfer
Year: 1529
This is a reproduction print of the famous historical painting “The Battle of Alexander at Issus” (Alexanderschlacht), created by Albrecht Altdorfer in 1529. One of the masterpieces of the German Renaissance, the artwork depicts Alexander the Great's victory over the Persian king Darius III at the Battle of Issus in 333 BC. The original painting is housed at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
The monumental battle scene portrays the Macedonian army confronting the forces of the Persian Empire, with thousands of soldiers, cavalrymen and military formations spread across an immense landscape. At the center of the conflict, Alexander the Great pursues the retreating Darius III, whose army suffered a decisive defeat. The battle marked a crucial turning point in Alexander's campaign against the Achaemenid Persian Empire and helped establish his dominance over the eastern Mediterranean.
Altdorfer's composition is particularly remarkable for its extraordinary panoramic perspective and meticulous depiction of countless soldiers. The battlefield stretches toward distant mountains, rivers and the Mediterranean coast, while a dramatic sky features the setting sun and rising moon, symbolizing the cosmic significance of the confrontation. The armies wear armor and carry weapons resembling those of the 16th century, reflecting the Renaissance tradition of interpreting ancient history through contemporary imagery.
Painted in oil on a wooden panel, the original artwork measures approximately 158.4 × 120.3 cm. It was commissioned by Duke William IV of Bavaria as part of a series of historical paintings. Combining intricate military detail, sweeping geography and dramatic celestial symbolism, Altdorfer's masterpiece remains one of the most celebrated examples of Renaissance battle painting and historical art inspired by Ancient Greece.
