Jacques-Louis David: Apelles Painting Campaspe
Campaspe was a mistress of Alexander the Great; he commissioned the artist Apelles to paint her. In the process Apelles fell in love with Campaspe, and rather than having Apelles killed as one might expect, he gave Campaspe to the painter. The idea behind Alexander’s gesture is that love inspired by beauty is most appreciated by the one who discerns it best. This story was embraced by painters to demonstrate that they were the best judges of beauty.
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