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Battle of Issus mosaic (Naples): *
The mosaic illustrates a battle in which Alexander faced and attempted to capture or kill Darius. The work is traditionally believed to show the Battle of Issus. Since the mosaic emulates the appearance of a painting it is uniformly agreed that the mosaic is a copy of an original Hellenistic Greek painting either of a painting by Aristides of Thebes, or of a lost late 4th-century BC fresco by the painter Philoxenus of Eretria. Despite extensive damaged, the 2 main figures are recognizable. The portrait of Alexander is one of his most famous. His breastplate depicts Medusa; his wavy hair is typical of royal portraiture as established in 4th century Greek art. He is portrayed sweeping into battle at the left, on his famous horse, Bucephalus & focusing his gaze on the Persian leader. Darius is shown in a chariot. He seems to be desperately commanding his frightened charioteer to flee the battle, while stretching out his hand either as a mute gesture to Alexander, or possibly after throwing a javelin. He has a worried expression on his face. The charioteer is whipping the horses as he tries to escape. The Persian soldiers behind him have expressions of determination and consternation. see illustration below
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union of round arch & column: *
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba prayer hall. The mosque was started by Emir Abd al-Rahman I (771-822), who demolished the original structure and replaced it with the grand mosque of Córdoba. Finally completed 987.
see illustration
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Egyptian plant column: *
Temple of Amenhotep III's, at Luxor reigned 1386 - 1353 BC
