Francesco Fontebasso (Venice 1709 - Venice 1769)
Alexander the Great grants clemency to the Persians
Oil on canvas
108 x 153 cm. - In frame 120 x 164 cm.
Full details of the work (click HERE)
Of great fascination for the interesting subject proposed, the beautiful painting draws inspiration from the conquest stories of the great Alexander the Great, portrayed while granting clemency to a general of the defeated Persian army.
Entering into the details of the refined composition, Alexander is depicted standing with a triumphant air, aware of his glory, while he grants clemency to the people of Persia, here symbolically represented by two enemy soldiers, one kneeling in submission and a second standing, held prisoner. The details of their armor are interesting, with lion heads, a long-standing Persian symbol, prominently displayed, as well as the typical long sabers.
Historically, we know that the Battle of Issus (333 BC) definitively gave Alexander dominance over the largest empire ever created, forcing Darius III to flee and causing panic among the Persian troops who decided to defect to Alexander's side, seeking his clemency.
Alexander treated them with respect and, after making them swear loyalty, incorporated them into his army, but always imposing his dominance: our author has immortalized this moment.
This is a valuable work, executed by a Venetian painter of the 18th century and attributable precisely to Francesco Fontebasso (Venice, 1709 - 1769), a painter who tackled this theme on several occasions, a prominent protagonist of the extraordinary painting season of the Venetian eighteenth century.
His training took place in Sebastiano Ricci's workshop, then continued with stays in Bologna and Rome; after his return to Venice, he was captivated by the impetuous style of the chiaroscuro effects of the young Giambattista Tiepolo, whose influence would be evident throughout his production.
In its realization, Fontebasso offers us a highly engaging work from an emotional point of view, both for the magnificence of the painting and for the theme proposed. The subject indeed reveals the magnanimity and clemency of the sovereign who often welcomed conquered enemies with extreme regard.
The true poetry of the painting lies in the mastery that the painter exercises in the descriptive details, so much so as to evoke a sense of deep admiration in the viewer, captivated by the virtuosity of the technique, by the profusion of details, with the exceptional richness of the rendering of the details of the uniforms executed with great skill.
Good state of conservation. Relined. Pigment material in excellent condition, with some old restorations scattered on the surface.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The images were taken using a professional photographic set and lighting system.
The painting is sold complete with a pleasant golden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
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