Alexander The Great At The Tomb Of Achilles, Francesco De Mura (naples 1696 –1782) Workshop

Workshop of Francesco De Mura (Naples, 1696 – Naples, 1782)
Alexander the Great at the tomb of Achilles

Oil on canvas
74 x 99 cm. - Framed 85 x 113 cm.

COMPLETE DETAILS OF THE WORK (click HERE)

A fine example of mid-18th-century Neapolitan art, this painting depicts a fascinating episode from the life of Alexander the Great, taken from Plutarch's account.

In particular, the great leader, accompanied by his loyal followers, is about to visit the tomb of Achilles, which, as is traditional in art, is represented as a pyramid-shaped structure.

The soldiers at his side, one standing and about to wash his hands, three others seated at his side observing the great tomb with respect, are most likely Hephaestion, commander of his army and dear childhood friend, Ptolemy, Craterus and Cleitus the Black, Macedonian generals who supported him in his military campaigns; while the elderly man standing on his right is Aristotle, his great teacher and a figure who played a fundamental role in his education.

The visit to Achilles' tomb was of fundamental importance to Alexander the Great because it represented a clear reference to his ambition to identify with the Homeric hero, symbolising his desire to achieve immortal glory and build an empire worthy of his deeds.

The painting is traditionally attributed to Francesco de Mura (Naples 1696-1782) and can therefore be attributed to a painter working in his workshop. A favourite pupil of Francesco Solimena, De Mura was one of the most refined and brilliant interpreters of 18th-century Rococo painting, which enjoyed great success in Naples.

The painting fits perfectly with his pictorial language, reflecting his chromatic sensitivity, which is expressed in warm, soft and transparent colours, with pastel tones and iridescent reflections due to the varying incidence of light that softens the contours and envelops the figures.

Active in the main royal residences of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon and attentive to the trends in European art in vogue at the court of Maria Carolina of Saxony, wife of Ferdinand IV, De Mura lightens and makes his master's compositions even more pictorial, expressing an elegant Rococo taste with a southern twist, which we see perfectly reflected in our canvas.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work sold comes complete with a contemporary antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

We take care of and organise the transport of the works purchased, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda, where we will be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

Please contact us, without obligation, for any further information.

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