1750
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
The Marriage of Alexander and Roxana is a 1750 by Charles-Nicolas Cochin, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This print shows a busy scene with two large nude figures in the center—one standing, one kneeling—surrounded by a crowd of small, winged cherubs. The cherubs are scattered around, some playing instruments, others holding tools or weapons. One cherub lies on the ground, while another holds a spear. The background is simple, with no clear setting. The title at the bottom, *Alexandre et Roxane*, hints this is a story about a royal wedding. The artist copied a design by Raphael, which was common in prints of the time. Look up Cochin, Charles-Nicolas (II) to see more prints he made from famous designs.
The print *The Marriage of Alexander and Roxana* by Charles-Nicolas Cochin the Younger reproduces a composition originally drawn by Raphael, once part of the Crozat Collection. Executed in red ink on paper, the work adapts the Renaissance master’s design into a printed format. The scene depicts the nuptials between Alexander the Great and Roxana, based on Raphael’s earlier study.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Charles-Nicolas Cochin was a French engraver, designer, writer, and art critic. To distinguish him from his father of the same name, he is variously called Charles-Nicolas Cochin le Jeune, Charles-Nicolas Cochin le…
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