Alexander “the Great”

This ancient replica portrays King Philip of Macedonia on his chariot pulled by four horses; his son Alexander, standing on the chariot, holds the reins with both hands (the armor and clothing were added by the copyist). This composition originated after the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 B.C.E., although the chariot and King Philip himself have not survived. The sculpture of Alexander the Great is a Roman replication of the original, which was crafted in the Hellenistic Greek style around 339 B.C.E. As both King of Macedonia and Pharaoh of Egypt, Alexander the Great established one of the most expansive empires in history before reaching the age of 30, stretching from Greece to the northwest of India. He is renowned as one of the most exceptional and successful military leaders and strategists in history. His poised and contemplative posture depicted in this artwork captures his essence. Despite alterations the statue has undergone, one of the sculptors from Hephaisteon restored the statue’s mutilated penis.