Explore Alexander Fights in the Town of the Sudracae

Read About This Artwork Featuring Alexander the Great

The illumination (decoration) on this page from a manuscript known as the Book of the Deeds of Alexander the Great was made by an anonymous illustrator known as the “Master of the Jardin de vertueuse consolation.”

In a suit of golden armor, Alexander the Great battles valiantly in the town of the Sudracae [soo-DRAH-kay] in India. Having foolishly jumped over the ramparts into the enemy city without reinforcements, he must defend himself in prolonged hand-to-hand combat. The illuminator (artist) used the device of a cutaway view of the city wall in order to show both Alexander within the town and his army outside, attempting to scale the wall to come to his rescue.

The entire scene is presented with the town of the Sudracae resembling a northern European walled city more than anything Indian. Both the Macedonian and the Indian soldiers are outfitted in the battle gear of the illuminator’s time, with little attention paid to distinguishing between the two armies’ weaponry or appearances.

Questions

Write or discuss your responses.

• Look closely at the artwork. What do you notice first? What do you notice next?
• What do you notice about the setting?
• Which soldier is Alexander? What do you see that makes you say that?
• Describe what is happening in the scene. What do you think will happen next?
• What do you notice about colors used?
• How would you describe the mood?
• Is this a realistic depiction of war? Why or why not?

A way of drawing or painting that “cuts” through walls or structures so viewers can see action inside and outside at the same time.

Relating to Macedonia, the region and kingdom ruled by Alexander the Great in ancient times.

An ancient Indian tribe in the Punjab region who fought against Alexander the Great in 325 BCE.