Lot 222: Hans Jurriaensz. van Baden Baden 1604 - 1677 Amsterdam , A church interior with Alexander the Great cutting the Gordian knot

signed and dated centre right: HJ.. Baden.1640 oil on panel

measurements note 41.3 by 57.5 cm.; 16 1/4 by 22 5/8 in.

The subject is taken from Plutarch's Life of Alexander (33:18) and relates to a famous episode when Alexander the Great was passing the winter of 333BC in Gordium during his conquest of the Persian empire. An ancient tradition prophesised that the man who could untie the knot on the shaft of ox-cart (although in this case it is depicted as a chariot) would become the King of Asia. All men who had tried to untie the knot had failed, but Alexander drew his sword and sliced through the knot, thus fullfilling the prophecy.