The art was representing Alexander the Great during his battle of Issus to kill Darius which he defeated his enemy. Alexander’s portrait is one of the most famous in the Roman history since it reflected the strength and effort of Alexander to protect his people. The different natural mosaic elements were used to make the portrait look exactly as the actual day of the battle (Dagli, 1999).
Some of the features in the art included:
Alexander's breastplate shows that he was protective as he faced the battle and was a symbol of Medusa who was a famous Gorgon. The texture of the breastplate seemed hard and made of marbles with other attractive mosaic glasses. There was also a shinny photo on his chest with other decorative elements.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Alexander's wavy hair as shown in the portrait was due to the windy nature in the forest
Alexander’s horse Bacephalus was taking the lead and seemed strong and among the fastest horse in the city.
The art also illustrate his focus on the Persian leader which means that he was ready to face the battle.
Other features in the art are Darius and his chariot who looked frightened and the charioteer is trying to escape by whipping the horse.
Other Persian soldiers showed a lot of determination and support for Alexander which represented unity and support for their team.
The mosaic art work of Alexander the Great was used by the Romans to represent strength and unity. The community believed that they were strong and energetic to win battles among their enemies and worked hard to protect their community members. The art work was used to decorate homes and the Roman leadership places in remembrance Alexander’s battles. The objects and the elements of the mosaic art work have met the expectations of art work.
References
Clarke, J R. (2003). Art in the Lives of Ordinary Romans: Visual Representation and Non-Elite Viewers in Italy, 100 B.C-A.D. 315. Los Angeles: University of California Press
G. Dagli Orti. (1999). Mosaic art depicting life of Alexander the Great, from Lebanon, Baalbek Odeon. Retrieved from http://www.bridgemanimages.com/fr/asset/482676//mosaic-art- depicting-life-of-alexander-the-great-from-lebanon-baalbek-odeon
