Caption

Alexander the Great before Diogenes, Norblin de la Gourdaine, Jean Pierre (1745–1830), graphic artist; depicts Diogenes of Sinope (ca. 412–323 BC) and Alexander III the Great (king of Macedonia; 356–323 BC) — iconography: group and legendary scene of philosopher and ruler with soldiers, books, lamps, and city gates. French/Polish style; Norblin was influenced by Rembrandt’s painterly qualities and engravings, freely transforming them into pastiches on biblical and historical themes. He depicted the meeting in a medieval architectural setting and dressed figures in 17th-century costume. Sketches and drawings dated circa 1786 (signed Oste toi de mon Soleil N: f. 1786) allow dating the engraving to 1786. Hillemacher described subsequent states of the engraving: I — first etching; II — same etched; III — vase placed behind the statue in the gate; IV — board refined and second statue of the deity appears; V — final state with pedestal visible to the bottom. Notes: graphic plate; 1777 (graphic); height 24.7 cm, width 18.3 cm, thickness 0.2 cm; value in 1918 recorded as 75 rubles., The image shows an aged, sepia-toned scene with a predominance of warm brown, tan, and ochre hues, along with subtle gray and muted black shading. A group of figures form a crowded tableau: several standing people in period clothing with hats and feathered headwear, armed figures holding spears, and a few helmeted or armored figures. One central figure appears in a long coat and plumed hat gesturing with an outstretched hand toward another area. To the right, a man reclines partially unclothed against a rounded surface while another figure leans over a large circular shield or drum. Architectural elements include a large archway and a tall column-like pedestal topped by a sculpted bust or statue on the left. The surface texture is worn and scratched, giving the whole composition an engraved or etched appearance with fine line work and crosshatching in darker gray and black

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A38_496

License type

Rights managed

Available size

77.7Mb (10.0Mb) / 15.1in x 20.0in / 4526 x 6000 (300dpi)

Keywords

Alexander Great Diogenes Norblin de la Gourdaine Jean Pierre 1745–1830 graphic artist depicts Diogenes Sinope ca 412–323 Bc Alexander III king Macedonia 356–323 Bc iconography group legendary scene philosopher ruler soldiers books lamps city gates French Polish style Norblin was influenced Rembrandt’s painterly qualities engravings freely transforming them pastiches biblical historical themes depicted meeting medieval architectural setting dressed figures 17th-century costume Sketches drawings dated circa 1786 signed Oste toi de mon Soleil N f 1786 allow dating engraving Hillemacher described subsequent states I first etching Ii etched Iii vase placed statue gate Iv board refined second statue deity V final state pedestal visible bottom Notes graphic plate 1777 graphic height 24.7 cm width 18.3 cm thickness 0.2 cm value 1918 recorded 75 rubles image aged sepia-toned scene predominance warm brown tan ochre hues subtle gray muted black shading figures form crowded tableau several standing people period clothing hats feathered headwear armed figures holding spears helmeted armored figures central figure long coat plumed hat gesturing outstretched hand another area right man reclines partially unclothed rounded surface another figure leans large circular shield drum Architectural elements include large archway tall column- pedestal topped sculpted bust left surface texture worn scratched giving whole composition engraved etched appearance fine line work crosshatching darker gray black tones soft shadowy silhouette stands within arch decorative spear tips ornamental shields crowd rendered brown tan palette.