Alexander Defeating Darius at Battle of Issus n.d.

This pen and brown ink drawing shows a dense battle scene, depicting Alexander’s victory over Darius. The rearing horses and clashing figures aren't merely illustrative; they invoke centuries of martial iconography. Consider the horse—a symbol of power, virility, and control. Here, it is not only a vehicle of war but an active participant. This recalls ancient friezes and tapestries where horses embody the chaos and dynamism of battle, an archetype rooted in our collective memory. The chaotic composition, with bodies strewn and horses colliding, speaks to the psychological impact of war: the breakdown of order and the reign of primal instincts. The image of the defeated king, falling from his chariot, has echoes in countless depictions of fallen rulers. This is no simple defeat, but the symbolic collapse of an era, charged with both historical and psychological weight. This motif recurs throughout art history, each time resonating with the viewer on a subconscious level.