Artwork
Iskandar
Iskandar is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Iskandar is a painting created in 1600 using opaque watercolour on paper. It depicts a scene from the *Iskandar Nama*, a literary work about Alexander the Great.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates Alexander the Great building a defensive wall against the tribes of Gog and Magog. A central figure, likely Alexander, sits on a raised platform, surrounded by attendants and workers engaged in various activities.
Technique & Style
The artwork features a vibrant colour palette and intricate detail, with figures dressed in elaborate attire. The composition is dynamic, with multiple elements and activities unfolding across the scene.
History & Provenance
The painting was acquired as part of a set of four works (IS.294 to 297-1951) for £37/4/0. It originates from a manuscript copy of the *Iskandar Nama*.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
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Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
Untitled
Krishna and Nikumba
The third suitor, who is an archer, shoots the wicked fairy who has imprisoned Zuhra. He rides on a magic horse prepared by the second suitor and is led to the spot by the divining prowess of the first, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-fo
Alamshah cleaving asunder the chain of the wheel, from volume 11 of a Hamza-nama (Adventures of Hamza)
Bhisma
The two couples reach a foreign city where they make their home, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-third Night
Untitled
Mu'nim Khan
The young prince is crowned and the wicked handmaiden is executed, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighth Night
The Raja’s daughter and her lover stoned to death for adultery, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Forty-Second Night
The third suitor, who is an archer, shoots the wicked fairy who has imprisoned Zuhra. He rides on a magic horse prepared by the second suitor and is led to the spot by the divining prowess of the first, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-fourth Night
Iskander Comforts the Dying Darius