Behind the Art: The triumph of Alexander: Altdorfer’s masterpiece ‘The Battle of Alexander at Issus’

Albrecht Altdorfer’s most famous painting depicts the victory of Alexander the Great over the Persian army of King Darius III in the battle of Issus. Despite being set in Turkey, the painting shows the battle scene in the Alps with German cities in the background. Altdorfer, a painter, engraver, architect, and leading member of the Danube School of German Art, is considered the first true landscape painter and a pioneer of copperplate etching. The painting’s bird’s-eye view features soldiers in armour and a fortified town unmistakably from the 16th century, with the two protagonists lost in the ant-like mass of their armies. The painting’s spectacular sky, with the sun breaking through the clouds and “defeating” the moon, raises the scene to the cosmic level. The painting also shows the influence of Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece, with its Heavenly Host above the Virgin and Child. The Isenheim Altarpiece, built between 1512 and 1516, was a monumental moveable altarpiece created for the Brothers of St. Anthony’s Isenheim Hospital, serving as the central object of devotion. However, unlike Grünewald, Altdorfer makes the human figure incidental to its spatial setting, whether natural or architectural.

The tablet that hangs from the sky in the painting explains has its own significance. The text, which was likely written by Johannes Aventinus, the court historian of William, was originally in German but was later replaced with a Latin inscription. It translates to:

“Alexander the Great defeating the last Darius, after 100,000 infantry and more than 10,000 cavalrymen had been killed amongst the ranks of the Persians. Whilst King Darius was able to flee with no more than 1,000 horsemen, his mother, wife, and children were taken prisoner.”

Altdorfer’s masterful use of colour and light creates a dramatic effect that highlights the ferocity of the battle. The contrast between the bright colours of Alexander’s army and the dark hues of the Persian military emphasises the battle’s intensity. The intricate details of the armour, weapons, and horses bring the painting to life and add to its realism. The Battle of Alexander at Issus is not only a magnificent work of art but also a historical document that captures the essence of the battle. Altdorfer researched extensively for the painting, consulting historical texts and maps to ensure its accuracy. The artwork is a testament to the artist’s dedication to historical accuracy and attention to detail.

Critical Analysis and Interpretation

The painting has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation. Some scholars see it as a symbol of the triumph of Christian Europe over the Islamic world, while others view it as a representation of the individual’s struggle against fate. Regardless of the interpretation, the painting remains a testament to Altdorfer’s talent and the enduring legacy of Alexander the Great. According to historians, Altdorfer deliberately included anachronisms in The Battle of Alexander at Issus, dressing Alexander’s men in 16th-century steel armour and Darius’ men in Turkish battle dress, drawing parallels between the Macedonian campaign and the contemporary European-Ottoman conflict. This was likely inspired by the siege of Vienna in 1529, the year the painting was commissioned. However, the painting also lacks historicity, as Altdorfer disregarded ancient sources regarding the size and positioning of the soldiers. Critics note that Altdorfer was only faithful to historical truth when it suited his composition. Women are also depicted on the battlefield, despite historical accounts indicating they were waiting for Darius back at the camp. Altdorfer’s passion for invention is evident in the way he dressed the aristocratic ladies like German courtly ladies for a hunting party, with feathered toques.

Legacy and Impact

Once completed, ‘The Battle of Alexander at Issus’ became part of the royal collection of the Dukes of Bavaria, where it remained for centuries. By the late 18th century, the painting was a regular feature in public galleries at the Schleissheim Palace. However, in 1800, the artwork, along with 72 others, was taken to Paris by the invading armies of Napoleon I, who was a noted admirer of Alexander the Great. The Louvre held the painting until 1804 when Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France and took it for his use. During the War of the Sixth Coalition in 1814, the Prussians captured the Château de Saint-Cloud and reportedly found ‘The Battle of Alexander’ at Issus hanging in Napoleon’s bathroom. However, the painting was later restored to the King of Bavaria in 1815, along with 26 other paintings taken in the 1800 invasion.

The painting is an example of Northern Renaissance art, which was characterised by a resurgence of classical humanism and culture in northern Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. Altdorfer emphasised the heroic qualities of Alexander and Darius, reflecting the new social individualism of the Renaissance period. His work not only influenced artists in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including Vincent van Gogh, Max Ernst, Graham Sutherland, and Walt Disney but also became a favourite among the art critics.

Next up in Behind the Art: Picasso’s Cry Against Injustice: The Charnel House Reveals the Atrocities of War 

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