Alexander de Grote steekt het paleis van Xerxes in de brand c. 1655 - 1665

Leonaert Bramer created this pen drawing titled 'Alexander the Great Sets Fire to the Palace of Xerxes' in the 17th century. As a historical painter, Bramer often chose dramatic subjects. Here he depicts Alexander and his army destroying Persepolis, the capital of the Persian Empire, in 330 BC. Bramer’s focus isn't just on the historical event, but also on the emotional intensity of the moment. The artist masterfully renders the chaos and violence, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of power, conquest, and cultural destruction. Looking at the women in the center, we see them raising their hands in despair and outrage, and the artist captures this intensity with dramatic effect. Was he challenging the traditional narratives of heroic masculinity? Is this his means of commenting on the impact of war on women, their bodies, and their cultural heritage? It stands as a powerful visual statement about the ravages of war and the enduring legacies of cultural conflict.