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The image shows two full-body figures in a dynamic pose. Both individuals are standing, facing each other. One figure on the left has an outstretched arm. They are wearing a helmet with a plume and scant armor, while the figure on the right is adorned in flowing garments. The scene appears to be set indoors, with subtle architectural lines in the background and an indistinct depiction of people or statues in the distance. The drawing emphasizes the contours and form of the clothing and bodies.
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The image shows two full-body figures in a dynamic pose. Both individuals are standing, facing each other. One figure on the left has an outstretched arm. They are wearing a helmet with a plume and scant armor, while the figure on the right is adorned in flowing garments. The scene appears to be set indoors, with subtle architectural lines in the background and an indistinct depiction of people or statues in the distance. The drawing emphasizes the contours and form of the clothing and bodies.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Alexander and Thaïs Setting Fire to Persepolis

Lodovico Carracci

Date
probably c. 1592
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash and white heightening on paper washed orange-brown
Dimensions
overall: 21.1 x 14 cm (8 5/16 x 5 1/2 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1975.55.1
Credit line
William Nelson Cromwell Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Baroque
  • Bolognese
  • classical
  • secular
  • Alexander the Great
  • Plutarch "Lives" VIII, 38
  • Thais
Provenance

Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680)[Lugt 2092], London; probably William Gibson (died 1703; the notation on the verso similar to those found on other drawings from his collection); (Yvonne Tan Bunzl, London, by 1973); purchased by NGA, 1975.

Inscription

probably by William Gibson, across top verso in brown ink: Anniball Carrazio .7.2.

NGA object ID 55424. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.