Netherlandish
Emperor Heraclius Slays the King of Persia
INV-1116
Netherlandishc. 1470
Emperor Heraclius Slays the King of Persia
Netherlandish →15th centurypaintingoil on panel
Date
c. 1470
Medium
Tempera and oil on panel
Dimensions
67.6 × 54.2 cm (26 5/8 × 21 5/16 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
George F. Harding Collection
This panel was probably part of an altarpiece dedicated to the Holy Cross, a relic that was much venerated in the Middle Ages. Through repeated retelling, its story took on some of the qualities of a chivalric romance. That story included the adventures of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius, who rescued the True Cross and returned it to Jerusalem after its capture by Chosroës, king of Persia.
Here Heraclius defeats a king who is probably meant to be the son of Chosroës. The emperor can be identified by the closed imperial crown that caps his helmet, the double-headed eagle symbol on the trumpet and the trappings of his followers’ horses, and the fact that he is about to behead his opponent. This exciting narrative provides an excuse for a vivid display of armor and weaponry.
Also notable
Works in the same vein
