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This is a painting of a scene with a warrior and an elderly figure near an ancient monument. The warrior is depicted in detailed armor, a helmet, and a cloak, leaning forward, interacting with the seated figure. The aged figure is wearing robes and has a crown of leaves. A monumental structure can be seen in the background, along with fabric draping. The sky shows clouds and urn-like structures. The image uses warm and muted colors, creating light and shadow effects on the figures and surroundings. This painting style is reminiscent of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
Read the visual description

This is a painting of a scene with a warrior and an elderly figure near an ancient monument. The warrior is depicted in detailed armor, a helmet, and a cloak, leaning forward, interacting with the seated figure. The aged figure is wearing robes and has a crown of leaves. A monumental structure can be seen in the background, along with fabric draping. The sky shows clouds and urn-like structures. The image uses warm and muted colors, creating light and shadow effects on the figures and surroundings. This painting style is reminiscent of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Alexander at the Tomb of Cyrus

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione

Date
1645/1650
Medium
oil heightened with white on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 58 x 42.9 cm (22 13/16 x 16 7/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1981.10.1
Credit line
Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and Edward E. MacCrone Fund
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Genoese
  • classical
  • secular
  • Alexander the Great
Provenance

Monsieur E. Pinguely. (Lorna Lowe, London); purchased 1981 by NGA.

Inscription

center: Memorie / VITA

NGA object ID 60662. 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.