Diogenese visited by Alexander the Great
1738
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
About the artist
1738
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
Diogenese visited by Alexander the Great is a 1738 by Benjamin West, a Baroque work, depicting Aeneas, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This drawing shows a man sitting on a rock, wrapped in a loose robe, while another man in flowing clothes stands over him. The seated figure holds a lamp, and the standing man points toward it. Behind them, a large, glowing circle of light hovers like a halo. In the corner, a small figure leans against a pillar, looking down. The standing man looks like he’s showing something important to the seated man, who seems calm. The light and the lamp might hint at a deeper meaning—like truth or wisdom. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.
A drawing depicts Diogenes receiving a visit from Alexander the Great.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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