Moderator: pothos moderators
The original is here http://www.museodelprado.es/coleccion/g ... no_cache=1 and it is identified as one of the Diadochi.Probably Greek original of the early third century BC, depicting a mythical hero diádoco or in the style of Scopas. Of the various versions that run on the history of this work, the more meritorious the stands at the Palace of Christina of Sweden in Rome with an image of Christ. It was then considered a portrait of Alexander, Prince Queen ideal: Remember that this, in his Catholic baptism, chose the double name of Cristina Alejandra. Such identification, although reprehensible, reveals a knowledge of classical art rare in the seventeenth century: even today, when looking bronze parallel to this, the closest being a colossal portrait is preserved in Copenhagen, the great Macedonian conqueror, the only noticeable difference is the long hair that the latter holds. It is therefore preposterous hypothesis recently discussed, that our bronze representing Hephaestion, the best friend of Alejandro.Sin however, the issue of royal portraiture in early caution should Hellenism. If Lysippus created the official image of Alexander, we know that their desire was confused between the features of his model with the ideal traits of Heracles and Achilles. And among the generals who accompanied him and divided his empire, this heroization broke through across the board: often with headband, but sometimes not, Ptolemy, Seleucus, Lysimachus and other Diadochi factions were represented with strong and serene, choppy hair and a superhuman grandeur, can sometimes overshadow the personal traits. In such circumstances, what name we give this head, the only remains of a statue of 3.50 m in height? To what extent can we be sure that represented a monarch and not a mythological hero, when clearly its dependence Meleager of Scopas? Certainly, this magnificent bronze guard still many unknowns, which include even the original Greek character likely brought to Rome in antiquity.