Alexander And The Gordian Knot By Van Baden (amsterdam 1604-1663)

Church interior with Alexander cutting the Gordian knot, Oil on panel 37 x 47.5 cm by Jan Juriaensz VAN BADEN (Amsterdam 1604 -1663). The paintings of this Dutch painter often show on an oval format churches with a architecture supported by a forest of columns. It often replaces Gothic pillars with long, thin cylindrical columns. The idea of church-palace is often needed at home. In our painting, he chose to represent Alexander cutting the Gordian knot. The legend is told by Diodorus Siculus but it is the version of Aristoboulos that has delivered the most information on the episode of the Gordian knot. It is at the beginning of the year 333 BC. At Gordion Alexander would have sliced the Gordian knot. Indeed, Alexander the Great, when he arrived in the city, was made aware of the legend and was passionate about it. He then asked to be shown the tank. After searching for the solution, he cut the knot with his sword. JJ Van Baden was inspired by an engraving in his possesion, made in 1608 by Antonio Tempesta and the text on the left of the painting is taken from this engraving: "Gordius nodus: quem si disslveret arte / Quispiam, huic sceptrum terris fatal regendis / Numina spondebant, veterumque oracula natum; / Credit Alexander strictoque praeoccupat ense "The painting is signed with the usual monogram of Van Baden Very beautiful old wooden frame (57 x 68 cm with frame)