Alexander with Apelles c. 17th century

Editor: Here we see "Alexander with Apelles" by Salvator Rosa. It’s a print, and the figures feel very theatrical. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This print reflects a fascination in the 17th century with the relationship between power, patronage, and artistic genius. Rosa is commenting on the artist’s position within a hierarchical society. How does the setting contribute to this interpretation? Editor: The grand studio setting emphasizes the artist's cultivated environment. Curator: Exactly. Rosa is pointing to the artist's studio as a site of intellectual labor, distinct from and perhaps even superior to, the battlefield. Do you think this image is making an argument for the social status of the artist? Editor: Yes, it suggests that artistic skill holds its own kind of power. I hadn't considered it in that light before. Thanks! Curator: It certainly provides a lens into the social positioning of art in Rosa’s time.