Artwork
The Wedding of Alexander and Roxana
The Wedding of Alexander and Roxana is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerard de Lairesse. It dates from 1664 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Technique & Style
The composition depicts the historical figures Alexander the Great and Roxana, rendered through the application of oil paint.
Created in 1664, this work is an oil painting executed on a canvas support. The composition depicts the historical figures Alexander the Great and Roxana, rendered through the application of oil paint. The physical object measures 79 cm in height and 89.5 cm in width.
As a classified painting from the mid-seventeenth century, the piece utilizes traditional materials characteristic of the period, specifically combining liquid pigment with a woven textile ground to achieve its visual effects.
Overview
Created in 1664, this oil painting by Dutch artist Gerard de Lairesse portrays the nuptial ceremony of Alexander the Great and his bride Roxana. The composition centers on the royal couple seated on an elevated throne, surrounded by courtiers and richly draped textiles within a grand architectural setting. The work is part of the permanent collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst.
Subject & Meaning
The scene draws on classical historiography, illustrating the moment Alexander of Macedon formalises his alliance with Roxana of Bactria. By emphasizing regal attire, ceremonial objects, and an orderly entourage, the painting underscores themes of political union and the consolidation of power through marriage, reflecting 17th‑century fascination with antiquity as a moral exemplar.
History & Provenance
The artist, active after the decline of Rembrandt’s dominance, combined practice with art theory, publishing treatises on painting. After its completion, the canvas entered various private collections before being acquired by the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it has been displayed since the early 20th century as a representative example of Dutch classicism.
Context
De Lairesse’s work reflects the Dutch Golden Age’s shift toward classicist subjects, inspired by Cesare Ripa’s iconographic guides and the French Academy’s emphasis on historical narratives. The painting aligns with contemporary intellectual currents that valued moral instruction through depictions of ancient heroes, positioning the artist within a broader European movement toward academic art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Gerard or Gérard (de) Lairesse (French pronunciation:; 11 September 1641 – June 1711) was a Dutch Golden Age painter and art theorist.
