Undoubtedly one of the most important and famous
figures from the ancient world, this small bronze
figurine of Alexander the Great represents the man
who conquered vast expanses of the world. He is
shown here wearing the armour of a Greek hoplite,
flaunting his military prowess. On his head is a
wreath, indicating possibly his athletic prowess
(wreathes were awarded to the victors at athletic
competitions), or showing his link to Dionysus, the
god of wine, of whom he was particularly fond.
His right arm is outstretched, interestingly, in the
manner of a Roman Emperor, hence dating this
figurine to the 1st century B.C./A.D. In his left hand
he holds a globe. Although it appears plain, it could
be that it was representative of the world, the world
that Alexander had conquered in the 4th century
B.C.
His face exhibits the characteristic deep-set eyes of
Alexander, as made famous by the Lysippian
portraits of him, as well as his typically Lysippic
leonine hair. His expression is lofty, his mouth
slightly open as if in speech. This figurine could
have been made to represent him as if making a
speech to his subjects.
- (OF.145)
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