Alexander the Great 1536 - 1546

"Alexander the Great" was made in the 16th century by Colin Nouailher, a French enamel painter. The scene depicts Alexander the Great riding an elephant, a popular subject which draws from ancient historical narratives and legends that captured the imagination of Renaissance Europe. Nouailher would have been aware of Alexander's reputation as a great leader and conqueror, and of the symbolic use of elephants, which, at the time, often represented wisdom, strength, and exoticism. Alexander's presence on the enamel plate is more than a historical reference; it's an assertion of power and knowledge. The choice to depict Alexander, with his well-known Greek heritage, raises questions about the construction of identity, and the dynamics of cultural exchange and dominance. This plate is a beautiful, yet complex work, which invites us to reflect on the legacies of historical figures and how they continue to shape our understanding of leadership, culture, and identity.