A striking Flemish Historical Tapestry of the Battle of Gaugamela17th Century 520cm x 340.5cm
£20,000 - £25,000
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Find your local specialistA striking Flemish Historical Tapestry of the Battle of Gaugamela
depicting the impressive figure of Alexander the Great astride his white steed Bucephalus, ready for battle against King Darius III of Persia, trampling his enemies, there are war elephants visible to the left, in the middle distance there are soldiers on the riverbanks with a hilltop citadel in the distance, the whole surrounded by an elaborate border adorned with ribbons, floral swags and cherubs, with central cartouche to each edge,
520cm x 340.5cm
Footnotes
The Battle of Gaugamela (sometimes called the Battle of Arbela) took place in 331BC, between the army of Macedon and Persia, about 62 miles west of Erbil, Iraq. Alexander the Great defeated Darius III of Persia, and took 4000 talents, the King's personal chariot and bow and war elephants. Despite being outnumbered, Alexander's army emerged triumphant due to a combination of clever usage of light infantry forces and superior tactics.
It was a humiliating defeat for the Persians but one of Alexander's greatest victories.
Bonhams sold a lot possibly from the same series as the present lot. It was lot 29 in the Fine Decorative Arts sale 1200-1900, 18 Dec 2020 at London, New Bond Street -a Flemish 17th century Historical tapestry of Alexander the Great, also possibly Van Maelsack Atelier Bruxelles the signature matching the present lot -seen on the left selvedge.
Saleroom notices
Please note that the slight crease is not apparent in the catalogue image.
