Alexander the Great Setting Fire to the Palace of Xerxes - Leonaert Bramer

A dynamic ink and wash drawing by Leonaert Bramer depicting the historical burning of the palace of Xerxes by Alexander the Great.

This drawing by Leonaert Bramer depicts the dramatic historical moment when Alexander the Great, accompanied by his retinue, sets fire to the palace of Xerxes at Persepolis. Bramer, a Dutch artist known for his distinct approach to narrative scenes, employs a fluid, calligraphic line to capture the urgency of the event. The composition is organised around the central figure of Alexander, who holds a torch aloft, preparing to ignite the structure. His followers, rendered with expressive gestures, mirror his intent.

Bramer utilises a monochromatic wash technique to establish depth and atmosphere. The architectural elements of the palace are suggested with light, precise strokes, allowing the figures to occupy the foreground with clarity. The scene avoids excessive detail, focusing instead on the theatricality of the action. The use of light and shadow, typical of Bramer's graphic work, creates a sense of movement across the page. This work is part of a larger series of drawings in which Bramer explored classical themes, often drawing inspiration from historical texts and contemporary theatrical stagings. The paper retains a warm, aged tone, which complements the ink work and provides a sense of the drawing's age. The figures are depicted in classical-style armour, reflecting the artist's interpretation of the ancient event through a seventeenth-century lens. This piece offers a glimpse into Bramer's method of storytelling, where the focus remains on the human drama and the immediate consequences of the act. The composition is balanced, with the architectural mass on the right providing a stable anchor for the dynamic group of figures on the left.