Charles Le Brun – Entry of Alexander in Babylon (Triumph of Alexander) Part 1 Louvre

The painting The Entry of Alexander into Babylon by Charles Le Brun depicts a grand procession celebrating Alexander the Greats victory. The central figure, Alexander himself, is conspicuously absent from the main procession, subtly hinting at his divine or elevated status. Instead, a youthful, almost serene figure, representing perhaps Alexanders divine essence or a symbolic representation of him, is seated on a chariot drawn by elephants adorned with rich textiles and decorative elements.
To the right, a regal figure, possibly symbolizing Victory or a goddess, rides in another chariot, holding a scepter and wearing a golden cloak, signifying triumph and divine favor. A group of muscular men carrying a large golden urn on a bier, symbolizing captured treasures or spoils of war, adds to the opulence and scale of the scene. Surrounding them are soldiers in various stages of procession, some on horseback, others on foot, with shields and banners, indicating military might and disciplined order.
In the foreground, a more human group is depicted, including a woman with a child, offering a sense of the impact of these grand events on the populace, perhaps representing the conquered or those witnessing the triumph. Their gaze is directed towards the procession, their expressions a mix of awe and perhaps resignation. The architectural backdrop, with its imposing classical structures and open courtyard, suggests a majestic city, likely Babylon, as the setting for this monumental event. The overall atmosphere is one of splendor, power, and divine ascendance, characteristic of Baroque arts emphasis on drama and grandeur.