Louis Silvestre, 1675 – 1760, zug.

ALEXANDER AND PYTHIA IN THE TEMPLE Oil on canvas. 101 x 119.5 cm. This painting is an example of the great interest in depictions of ancient myths in the 18th century. When Alexander the Great was planning his Persian campaign, he went to Delphi and asked the seer Pythia for advice, but Pythia put him off. The oracle could only be consulted at the times determined by the gods. Unwilling to wait, he led Pythia into the temple by force and she simply shouted: "Let go of me, you are insurmountable!". Alexander replied: "I was hoping for this answer" and let her go. The painter has constructed this legend in a theatrical, stage-like manner, setting the scenes in the courtyard of the temple and highlighting the two main figures and the temple priest. In an almost apologetic gesture, Alexander turns to the old angry priest. On the right of the picture is a young bull decorated with flowers, which is probably to be sacrificed on Alexander's behalf as thanks for his advice. A.R. Provenance: Private collection, France. (1370023) (11)