The Ptolemy Painting? Alexander's right-hand man and the origins of the Alexander Mosaic

Thomas, Joshua J. (2021): The Ptolemy Painting? Alexander's right-hand man and the origins of the Alexander Mosaic. In: Journal of Roman Archaeology, Vol. 35, No. 1: pp. 306-321

Abstract

This article revisits the origins of the Alexander Mosaic at Pompeii by focusing on the figure standing at Alexander's right hand. The starting point is Andreas Rumpf's suggestion that this right-hand man may be the patron of the original painting, who wished to advertise his own role in the represented battle. It is argued that Ptolemy I is perhaps the strongest candidate on historical grounds, and that interesting connections can be drawn between the mosaic and the historian Kleitarchos, who worked at the Ptolemaic court. Circumstantial support for a Ptolemaic connection is supplied by other finds from the House of the Faun, three of which are briefly re-examined.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Cultural Studies > Department of Ancient and Modern Cultures > Greek and Roman Art and Archeology
• Subjects: 900 History and geography > 900 Geschichte
• ISSN: 1047-7594
• Language: English