EB1911 Greek Art - Mosaic of the Battle of Issus

Pompeian mosaic, which represents the victory of alexander at issus. This work being in stone has preserved its colouring; and it stands at a far higher level of art than ordinary pompeian paintings, which are the work of mere house-decorators. This on the contrary is certainly copied from the work of a great master. Alexander charges from the left (his portrait being the least successful part of the picture), and bears down a young persian; darius in his chariot flees towards the right; in the foreground a young knight is trying to manage a restive horse. It will be observed how very simple is the indication of locality: a few stones and a broken tree stand for rocks and woods. Date: circa 300-50 B.C..