Alexander der Große mit vielen Personen bei zwei Altären stehend 

Polidoro da Caravaggio rendered this drawing, “Alexander the Great with many People Standing by Two Altars,” with pen and brush in brown ink, heightened with white, over black chalk. The composition is structured by stark verticals and horizontals, particularly in the depiction of the altars. Observe how Caravaggio uses linear perspective and chiaroscuro, that interplay of light and shadow, to guide the viewer's eye. The faces emerge from the toned paper, lending a classical relief-like quality to the work. The dynamic arrangement of figures around Alexander directs attention to the altars, which anchor the scene. Caravaggio manipulates space and depth masterfully, challenging traditional notions of Renaissance perspective. It invites us to consider how the formal elements of line, tone, and composition work together to evoke a sense of historical grandeur and philosophical inquiry.