Alexander the Great Seated in Justice
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 29.9 x 37 cm (11 3/4 x 14 9/16 in.) (trimmed to plate mark)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen
Accession Number
2012.92.610
Art Historical Context
This engraving, created in 1606 by Willem Swanenburgh after a design by Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael, captures a moment of moral authority from classical antiquity. Alexander the Great is shown seated in judgment, embodying the Renaissance and early modern fascination with ancient rulers as models of justice and leadership. Produced in the Dutch Republic during a period of growing interest in history and moral philosophy, the print reflects how such themes resonated with audiences seeking examples of virtuous governance. As an engraving on laid paper, the work highlights the importance of printm...