Alexander Condemning False Praise
1760s National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil painting depicts the Macedonian king Alexander the Great seated on a throne, gesturing dismissively towards his courtiers. It is a masterful example of 18th-century Neapolitan painting, noted for its expressive figures and theatrical drapery.
Did you know?
The scene illustrates a classic moral lesson regarding the dangers of flattery. Alexander the Great is shown rejecting the obsequious behavior of his advisors, preferring the truth over empty compliments. This work exemplifies Francesco de Mura's ability to combine Rococo elegance with a strong sense of moral narrative.
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Alexander Condemning False Praise
Francesco de Mura, 1760s
