Alexander sacks the Mallians

Alexander sacks the Mallians

For a more detailed analysis of this composition, please visit the Alexander Gallery just below.

Note from the Author: I have spent the last decade and more studying the classical world (Mediterranean culture from 500 BCE to 500 CE), and like many similar enthusiasts, much of that time has been spent studying the exploits of the conqueror Alexander III of Macedon (aka Alexander the Great). Over this decade, my opinion of the man, as I’ve perceived him through my readings, has radically shifted from admiration, to contempt, to eventual pity and mild disdain. I'm still in awe of his achievements, but ultimately disappointed in his lack of estate planning (small historian joke, forgive me). History certainly takes a skewed view of the individual who was as much an obsessive sociopath, as he was a visionary empire builder. Perhaps Alexander’s best qualities were his views on race and cultural differences, which he saw as multifaceted strengths. Alexander wanted to be the bridge between these different races, which was a very radical view given at the time no language on Earth even had a word for “racism,” the practice being so widely and fundamentally engrained in all ancient cultures with little to no no self-awareness or conscientious of the practice.

Most artists when attempting to portray this fascinating individual, almost always default to the ideal... Alexander crossing the Granicus on horseback at the front of his cavalry, or Alexander pouring out the one, last helmet of clean water while his forces were dying of thirst while crossing the Arabian dessert – or even Alexander showing reverence to the bloody body of Darius III (his long rival in his Persian campaign) after being slain and abandoned by his fleeing, mutinous troops. These are the images that echo throughout history. However, in all of my readings, I viewed this battle as a reflection of the true heart of the man, and this moment singularly captured the terror, tension and constant danger of the decade long campaign through Persia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In choosing this particular composition, that was my goal –to show the true experience of Alexander's multi-racial forces, the real heroes and legends of this saga. - Michael James Linder

Giclee Prints Available

Graphite on Paper, 2019