Philoxenus of Eretria facts for kids
Philoxenus of Eretria was a talented painter from Eretria, an ancient Greek city. He was famous for painting very quickly. He even found new and faster ways to use colors. One of his most important paintings showed a big battle between Alexander the Great and Darius the Great. He painted this for King Cassander.
A Speedy Painter from Ancient Greece
Philoxenus learned how to paint from a well-known artist named Nicomachus of Thebes. Nicomachus was known for his speed. Philoxenus not only matched his teacher's speed but also became even faster. He found new and quick ways to mix and apply paints.
Painting a Famous Battle
One of Philoxenus's most famous artworks was a painting for King Cassander. This painting showed a major battle. It was either the Battle of Issus (from 333 BC) or the Battle of Gaugamela (from 331 BC). Both battles involved Alexander the Great fighting against Darius.
Historians believe that a famous artwork called the Alexander Mosaic might be a copy of Philoxenus's original painting. This mosaic was found in a house in Pompeii. It shows a very similar battle scene.
When Philoxenus Lived
Philoxenus was a student of Nicomachus, who was active around 360 BC. Since Philoxenus painted for Alexander the Great's time, he likely worked around 330 BC. King Cassander ruled Macedon after 317 BC. This means Philoxenus's great battle painting was likely made during Cassander's reign.
