Bruiloft van Alexander en Roxana 1716 - 1733

François Morellon La Cave created this engraving, "Wedding of Alexander and Roxana," which now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The print presents a tableau vivant, rich in allegorical figures and classical architecture, all rendered in precise detail. Consider how the composition directs our gaze. The eye is drawn to the contrast between the architectural elements and the soft, fleshy forms of the figures. The composition is structured by a series of arches and drapes. The formal qualities of the engraving—its use of light and shadow, its arrangement of figures in space—invite us to decode the symbolic order of the scene. The cupids and other figures, while seemingly decorative, play a structural role in conveying the themes of love, conquest, and divine blessing. This artwork, while seemingly celebrating a historical event, engages with broader themes of power, beauty, and the construction of historical narratives. The very act of interpreting this engraving is an invitation to question the fixed meanings of history and art.