The Family of Darius before Alexander

This is based on the painting by Charles Lebrun at Versailles. The original was painted in 1660-1 for King Louis XIV, whilst at Fontainebleau and hung in the Grand Cabinet du Roi at the Tuileries. The painting depicts a story from the aftermath of the battle of Issus, in 333B.C., related by Diodorus Siculus. After King Darius of Persia had fled the battlefield, Alexander captured his wife and children. The scene here occurs before Alexander's tent; Darius' mother, Sisygambis, believing him to be Alexander, first fell to her knees in front of Hephaestion, who raises his hand in denial. Alexander is seen beside him, addressing Darius' wife, Stateira, and daughters, to tell them that he would honour and respect their persons, a promise he kept and for which Darius later thanked him with his last words.