An Architectural Capriccio with Alexander cutting the Gordian Knot
Giovanni Paolo Panini (Piacanza c.1692 - Rome 1765)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1712 - 1768
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
730 x 610 mm
Place of origin
Italy
Order this imageCollection
Basildon Park, Berkshire
NT 266897
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, An Architectural Capriccio with Alexander cutting the Gordian Knot by Giovanni Paolo Pannini (c.1692 - 1765/8). Beneath a seated statue of Zeus on great plinth Alexander raises sword to cut the chariot's knot, regarded by solders, elders and a dog. Set in a lavish Acropolis dominating figures and open to the sky. Gilt moulded frame.
Provenance
Lord and Lady Iliffe, Basildon Park, Berkshire; purchased by the National Trust, 1978
Credit line
Basildon Park, The Iliffe Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
Giovanni Paolo Panini (Piacanza c.1692 - Rome 1765) , artist