Joos van Winghe: Apelles paints Campaspe (1600)

(Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria)

A painting by the Flemish artist Joos van Winghe (1544–1603). This painting shows a legend from the Pliny's Natural History. According to the story, Campaspe was a mistress of Alexander the Great. She was painted by Apelles (who had the reputation in Antiquity for being the greatest of painter). When the painting was finished Alexander saw that Apelles appreciated Campaspe (and loved her) more than he. So Alexander kept the portrait but presented Campaspe to Apelles. Alexander the Great is shown here in the back with a turban. Apelles is at the left and is a self-portrait of Joos van Winghe. Painting from 1600.