Alexander the Great at the Battle of the Granicus against the Persians 1737

Cornelis Troost created this painting of Alexander the Great at the Battle of the Granicus against the Persians in oil on canvas. The artist has skillfully layered and blended pigments to create a sense of movement and drama, the bold brushstrokes, particularly evident in the horses' manes and the soldiers' clothing, convey the chaos of battle. The layering of the paint creates depth and texture, adding to the overall dynamism of the composition. The earthy tones of the landscape contrast with the vibrant colors of the soldiers' uniforms, drawing the eye to the central conflict. In Troost's time, the production of oil paintings like this involved the labor of many individuals, from those who ground the pigments to the apprentices who prepared the canvases. We see a complex interplay between the artist's skill, the availability of materials, and the economic systems that supported artistic production. This painting serves as a reminder of the collaborative nature of art making and the social and economic contexts that shape artistic creation.