A Lecture on Veronese’s The Family of Darius Before Alexander

Discuss the culture of Alexander's world and his image in art

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Sweetmemory41
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A Lecture on Veronese’s The Family of Darius Before Alexander

Post by Sweetmemory41 »

If you love Paolo Veronese’s painting of Alexander and Hephaestion in front of Darius’ family, you would enjoy Kelly Allen’s lecture about it at the National Gallery. She does a great job of highlighting the little touches that make Veronese such a wonderful painter! Enjoy - https://youtu.be/JOkJzvA91ac

When I look at the two young men (Alexander and Hephaestion) on one side and the two young princesses on the other side (Stateira and Drypetis), I am struck by what is in the future for the four of them in a few short years…
Alexias
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Re: A Lecture on Veronese’s The Family of Darius Before Alexander

Post by Alexias »

I have a vague recollection that there was a competition to write a short story based on a National Gallery painting and the winner was based on this picture, and was read publicaly by the author in the gallery. It was a few years ago and I haven't been able to find the link to it.
Sweetmemory41
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Re: A Lecture on Veronese’s The Family of Darius Before Alexander

Post by Sweetmemory41 »

Yes, I know what you mean, Alexias!

It is titled ‘Desperately Seeking Hephaestion.’ It has been a favorite of mine, ever since Dr. Reames highlighted it a couple of years or so ago. Here it is link - https://youtu.be/igT_QvmuQeg. Enjoy! The author, Elizabeth Hopkinson, is certainly someone to watch.

(By the way, I love Hephaestion’s POV in the short story. His sense of poignancy that he will forever be vastly overshadowed by his best friend and his acceptance of the situation as he knew his worth to Alexander seems to fit his story well.)
Sweetmemory41
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Re: A Lecture on Veronese’s The Family of Darius Before Alexander

Post by Sweetmemory41 »

The link to the audio, video, and print to ‘Desperately Seeking Hephaestion’ from Elizabeth Hopkinson’s website - https://www.liarsleague.com/liars_leagu ... inson.html
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