Alexander and the Poisoning of Hephaestion
Bronze sculpture 18" 

Courtesy of private collection, Mrs. Alexandrina Stevenson, Oxford, England.

The intimacy and reality of raw, uncontrollable grief portrayed in this sculpture is given a classical treatment that counters the traditional, mythic poses of Alexander the Great, conquering the world with a stoic gaze. Much of the story is told in the initial gesture of Alexander, gripping close Haphaestion’s limp, heavy corpse in one arm, his other arm thrust backward, his weapon a useless defense against this moment. His laurel-crowned war helmet is shoved back to reveal Alexander’s confusion; attired for victory, Alexander is defeated. Hephaestion’s murder may be one of the first recorded hate crimes, and it is debated by historians as to how the death of his lover began Alexander’s swift decline and death, soon thereafter. I am amazed by the story of Alexander. I’ve read at least ten thousand pages relating to his life and contributions to history. At times he seems to have possessed the mystique and charisma of a god, but he existed as all humans do in life, struggle, and death.