Alexander de Grote doodt Clitus c. 1655 - 1665

Leonaert Bramer rendered this drawing of Alexander the Great slaying Clitus with pen in grey-brown ink. The dramatic scene captures Alexander in a fit of rage, a spear piercing his friend Clitus. The raised hand of Alexander, once a symbol of command and victory, now signifies impulsive violence. We observe this gesture echoing through time, from ancient depictions of emperors to Renaissance paintings of biblical scenes, each carrying a blend of authority and potential for tyranny. Notice how the agony of Clitus, with his contorted body, mirrors ancient depictions of martyrs, reflecting a deep, subconscious association between suffering and transformation. This image is not simply a historical depiction; it's a potent representation of the cyclical nature of power, downfall, and the fine line between triumph and tragedy, continuously echoing through our cultural memory.