Ancient Historiography

This miniature from a 1450 Greek manuscript depicts the philosopher Aristotle instructing his most famous pupil, Alexander the Great. The scene captures the late medieval tradition of portraying classical figures in contemporary Byzantine dress, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Greek pedagogical ideals.

This miniature from a 1450 Greek manuscript of the 'Alexander Romance' depicts Alexander the Great overseeing a funeral procession, likely that of his father, King Philip II. Alexander is shown on the left in full royal regalia, including a crown and scepter, while to the right, pallbearers carry a draped bier. The scene illustrates the transition of power and the legendary piety of the young conqueror as described in this popular medieval narrative.

This fine engraving depicts the Roman Emperor Constantius II in profile, wearing a laurel wreath, modeled after the numismatic traditions of antiquity. It serves as a visual anchor for the historical narrative of the 17th-century edition of Ammianus Marcellinus, emphasizing the continuity of imperial authority.

This intricate frontispiece frames the historical works of Ammianus Marcellinus within a grand classical context, featuring a central figure of Minerva surrounded by symbols of Roman military and intellectual power. The inclusion of a medallion depicting Emperor Julian the Apostate underscores the text's focus on the late Roman Empire, while the surrounding putti and allegorical figures elevate the scholarly edition to a work of political and historical monumentality.