Alexander the Great Rescued from the River Cydnus

Pietro Testa

Created:
Movement:
1655
Baroque
key Notes:
Heroic rescue, Baroque dynamism
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Dimensions:
38 x 54 in. (96.5 x 137.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

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Alexander the Great Rescued from the River Cydnus by Pietro Testa

Alexander the Great Rescued from the River Cydnus, painted by Pietro Testa in 1655, is an exemplary work of Baroque art, executed in oil on canvas. The painting captures a dramatic moment from the life of Alexander the Great, showcasing Testa's skill in rendering dynamic compositions and emotional intensity. Pietro Testa, an Italian artist born in 1611, was known for his intricate engravings and paintings that often depicted historical and mythological subjects. His work reflects the influence of his contemporaries, such as Nicolas Poussin, and his time spent in Rome, which was a hub of artistic innovation during the Baroque period. Testa's contributions to art are noted for their intellectual depth and technical precision, although his career was tragically cut short by his untimely death in 1650. Despite his brief life, Testa's work continues to be studied for its complex interplay of narrative and form.

Description of the work:

Alexander the Great Rescued from the River Cydnus by Pietro Testa

Created in 1655, Pietro Testa's "Alexander the Great Rescued from the River Cydnus" is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Baroque style with its dramatic use of light and dynamic composition. The artwork depicts the historical moment when Alexander the Great is saved from drowning, showcasing Testa's skill in rendering human emotion and movement.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Alexander the Great Rescued from the River Cydnus