The Alexander Mosaic, is a 100 BC copy of an early 3rd century BC Hellenistic painting. It is still considered a primary source as it is still relatively from the same time as the Battle of Issus. It is a floor mosaic and is of Roman Origin, and was most probably used for decoration or show of wealth by a wealthy and powerful Roman Civilian. From this Mosaic we get the most famous picture of Alexander the Great, depicted with his famous horse Bucephalus and wearing his breastplate depicting medusa. We see him focusing on Darius III, who is seen in a chariot, depicted desperately commanding his horses and with a worried expression on his face. This battle is traditionally known as depicting the battle of Issus and not the Battle of Gaugamela which brought about the actual end of the Empire. Historians have learnt mainly the characteristics of the two Kings from this Mosaic, for example we see Darius’s brother Oxyathres sacrificing himself to save the fleeing king, which is historically correct as Darius would not be killed by Alexander at the battle but rather would flee and be killed after the empire actually fell. This artefact is obviously biased, especially in depicting Darius III as a weak leader but in terms of event and historical character, this artefact is a window into the past.
Astronomical Diary
The astronomical diaries are a collection of Babylonian texts in which astronomical and political events were recorded. The one above, is a diary documented the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE on October 1st. Although the diary cannot be pinpointed to a specific year, all the diaries were written between 600 and 200 BCE, and this one is presumed to be written circa 330 BCE, making this diary a primary source of information. The diary states that the outcome of the battle (the empire falling) was influenced by a celestial omen. It records astronomical observations before the battle and we as historians also learn of economic situations during that time, with the prices of commodities and political events all being recorded down to the day. The diary tells us that a lunar eclipse inflicted an omen on the Persian King as he did not perform rituals correctly in the face of the eclipse. The diary also accurately describes what happens when Alexander would beat Darius, mentioning exactly how long Alexander would continue to rule for (8 years). This diary is the contemporary source of information we have on the battle and the beginnings of Alexander’s greatest empire. Historians have analysed this diary for years and have decided that there is no prejudiced propaganda, simply pure observation is recorded in these diaries. Meaning that these diaries were written by knowledgeable priests or scholars of the time. From this diary we learn about the weather, specific dates of events and as they were used as sources or the Babylonian Chronicles, they are deemed reliable by most historians.
Charles I Triple Portrait
Charles I in Three Positions, also known as the Triple portrait of Charles I, is an oil painting of Charles I of England by Flemish artist Sir Anthony Van Dyck, showing the King from three viewpoints: left full profile, face on, and right three quarter profile. [more]
The Shrimp Girl
The Shrimp Girl is a painting by the English artist William Hogarth. It was painted around 1740–45, and is held by the National Gallery, London. [more]
Mr. and Mrs. Andrews
Mr and Mrs Andrews is an oil on canvas portrait of about 1750 by Thomas Gainsborough, now in the National Gallery, London. [more]
Flatford Mill
Flatford Mill (Scene on a Navigable River) is an oil painting by English artist John Constable, painted in 1816. It is Constable's largest exhibition canvas to be painted mainly outdoors, the first of his large "six-foot" paintings [more]
The Fighting Temeraire
The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up, 1838 is an oil painting by the English artist J. M. W. Turner. HMS Temeraire was one of the last second-rate ships of the line to have played a distinguished role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. [more]
Liberty Leading the People
Liberty Leading the People is a painting by Eugène Delacroix commemorating the July Revolution of 1830, which toppled King Charles X of France. [more]
Ophelia
Ophelia is a painting by British artist Sir John Everett Millais, completed between 1851 and 1852. It depicts Ophelia, a character from Hamlet, singing before she drowns in a river in Denmark. [more]
The Music Lesson
The Music Lesson or Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman by Jan Vermeer, is a painting of young female pupil receiving the titular music lesson. [more]
