Strijd tussen Alexander de Grote en Darius III 1674 - 1682

This engraving by Robertus de Mol depicts the ‘Strijd tussen Alexander de Grote en Darius III’ or ‘The battle between Alexander the Great and Darius III’. Reflecting the era's fascination with classical antiquity, this piece portrays a pivotal moment in the clash between Alexander's Macedonian forces and Darius's Persian army. The artwork operates within a historical context where European powers often drew parallels between themselves and ancient empires to legitimize their own dominance and project power. De Mol’s work captures the tumult and violence of the battlefield. Observe the chaotic scene filled with fallen soldiers and clashing warriors, it conveys the brutal realities of ancient warfare. However, it romanticizes Alexander the Great, presenting him as a heroic figure, while casting Darius and his Persian forces as the ‘other’. By exploring the dynamics of power, cultural identity, and historical representation, this piece reveals how the past continues to shape our present. It highlights the importance of critically examining dominant narratives and questioning the construction of historical memory.