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Deeds of Alexander the Great

Deeds of Alexander the Great

Hunting Scene

Detail of Alexander Sarcophagus at Istanbul showing Alexander and the Macedonians on horses hunting lions together with Abdalonymus and the Persians.

Alexander sarcophagus in Istanbul: Hunting scene datail

The Alexander Sarcophagus is a late 4th century BC stone sarcophagus adorned with bas-relief carvings of Alexander the Great. The sarcophagus is constructed of Pentelic marble retaining traces of its polychromy, in the form of a Greek temple. The work is remarkably well preserved and has been celebrated for its high aesthetic achievement. It is considered the outstanding holding of the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. It is one of four massive carved sarcophagi, that were discovered during the excavations conducted by Osman Hamdi Bey, founder of Istanbul Archaeology Museum and of Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts, at the necropolis near Sidon, Lebanon in 1887.

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