Art Institute of Chicago

The Crossing of the Granicus from The Story of Alexander the Great

After a design by, and woven at the workshop of, Karel van Mander the Younger (1579–1623)

Date

1619

Medium

Wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave

Culture

Holland

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This tapestry dramatizes a battle fought in 334 B.C. between the Macedonians and the Persians. Alexander the great, king of the Macedonians, is depicted just left of center; dressed in ornate gilt armor, he rides a white horse and raises a sword boldly above his head. Facing him is a Persian general on a dark horse with both hands grasped around an axe. Although Alexander appears imperiled, he was ultimately victorious in the battle. the tense moment represented here provided a compelling narrative for noble patrons in the 17th century, willing to imagine Alexander's triumphs as equivalent to their own.

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