Works currently lent to other museums
Click on the button Works Lent Out to see the works of art that are borrowed by other institutions.
‘The Birth of Alexander the Great’. Miniature in a copy of Nizami’s Iskandarnama (Book of Alexander the Great)
Central Asia; 16th century
Leaf: H: 23.5; W: 17.5 cm
An important part of the work of Persian astrologers was to cast horoscopes for newborns. At princely births, one or more astrologers were brought in to foretell the child’s life with the aid of astronomical instruments and measurements.
This illustration lets us witness the birth of Alexander the Great himself. On the right, an experienced astrologist is in the process of casting the future king’s horoscope, and on the left side – in the women’s quarters – Alexander’s seated mother is supported by the midwife while the little boy is wrapped in a cloth. According to historical sources, Alexander den Store was born on the last day of July in the year 356 B.C. – in the sign of Leo.
Lent to the exhibition
BIGGER PICTURE
This illustration lets us witness the birth of Alexander the Great himself. On the right, an experienced astrologist is in the process of casting the future king’s horoscope, and on the left side – in the women’s quarters – Alexander’s seated mother is supported by the midwife while the little boy is wrapped in a cloth. According to historical sources, Alexander den Store was born on the last day of July in the year 356 B.C. – in the sign of Leo.
Lent to the exhibition
BIGGER PICTURE
Connected worlds of Bruges 900-1550
BRUSK, Bruges, Belgium
BRUSK, Bruges, Belgium
May 8 – September 6, 2026
Inv. no. 74/2006
Published in:
Unpublished