A satirical oil painting by Edwin Henry Landseer, depicting a humorous canine allegory of the meeting between Alexander the Great and the philosopher Diogenes.

Edwin Henry Landseer, a painter celebrated for his technical precision in depicting animals, completed Alexander and Diogenes in 1848. The composition serves as a humorous allegory, replacing the historical figures of Alexander the Great and the philosopher Diogenes with dogs. The central white bull terrier, representing Alexander, stands with an air of self-importance, wearing a brass collar. He confronts a scruffy, cynical dog residing within a wooden tub, who embodies the ascetic Diogenes.

Landseer populates the scene with various other breeds, each observing the encounter with distinct expressions. The artist employs a controlled palette, focusing on the textures of fur and the play of light across the stone floor. The inclusion of scattered tools and a lantern near the tub adds a layer of narrative detail, suggesting the humble, working life of the philosopher. Landseer was well-known for his ability to anthropomorphise his subjects, imbuing them with human-like traits and social hierarchies. This work demonstrates his skill in balancing realistic anatomical rendering with a clear, satirical intent. The lighting is directed to draw the viewer towards the central confrontation, while the surrounding dogs provide a supporting cast that reinforces the theatrical nature of the scene. The painting remains a primary example of Victorian narrative art, where the animal kingdom acts as a mirror for human societal structures and philosophical debates.