Alexander the Great
Painting on panel • Pietro Paolo Galeotti (also known as Il Romano), formerly attributed to various Central Italian Mannerists.
Style & Movement
Mannerism / Italian High Renaissance
Medium & Technique
Oil on panel, utilizing fine glazing and detailed linework characteristic of the Mannerist tradition.
Creation Period
c. 1540-1550
Dimensions & Format
Approx. 104 x 80 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A youthful Alexander the Great is depicted in elaborate 'all'antica' armor, including a scale-covered cuirass and a fantastic helmet topped with a lion. He wears a lion skin (nebris) across his shoulders, a direct iconographic link to Hercules. In his hand, he holds a statuette of Nike (Victory). The background features dense foliage and a shadowy landscape, emphasizing the figure's sculptural presence.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint surface is stable with well-preserved glazes and minimal visible abrasion.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500,000 - $2,500,000
Auction Estimate
$1,200,000 - $1,800,000
Provenance History
Likely commissioned within a noble Italian court; later held in private collections in Europe before acquisition by a major institution.
Art Historical Significance
A significant example of Mannerist portraiture that blends historical biography with mythological allegory. It demonstrates the 16th-century fascination with classical antiquity and the use of the 'all'antica' style to project power and legitimacy. Galeotti was primarily known as a medalist, which informs the precise, hard-edged treatment of the armor and profiles in this work.
Notable Features
The inclusion of the Hercules-style lion skin over the shoulder and the highly sophisticated, tiered helmet featuring a sphinx and lion motifs; the sculptural quality of the drapery.
Condition Issues
Minor fine-line craquelure consistent with age; some slight darkening of the varnish; peripheral frame rubbing.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning and light varnish refresh recommended; keep in a climate-controlled environment (50% RH) to prevent movement of the wooden panel; UV-filtered lighting.