Alexander en Lysimachus Possibly 1809

Joannis Jacobus Bijlaert created this artwork titled 'Alexander en Lysimachus' using pen and gray ink and brush and gray wash. It depicts Alexander the Great placing a crown on the head of Lysimachus. Created in the late 18th century, this drawing reflects the era's fascination with classical antiquity and its heroes. Bijlaert positions Alexander as a figure of magnanimity, rewarding bravery and loyalty. We might consider the relationship between the two men in the context of power, hierarchy and devotion. Lysimachus kneels, accepting the crown, a gesture which underscores their dynamic. What does it mean to depict an act of giving, especially within a context defined by military might and conquest? The ruins in the background suggest a civilization built on such power. Bijlaert’s portrayal invites us to contemplate not only the acts of historical figures, but also the symbolic weight of leadership, allegiance, and the legacies of historical power structures.