Mantel clock ‘The vigil of Alexander the Great’
Bronze, cast, embossed, gilded
Probably St Petersburg, Russia, 1820–1830

This clock, made by Russian artists, is based on the well-known work by French master Louis Lenoir-Ravrio. The centre piece – inspired by the famous ancient sculpture Mars Ludovisi, now in the National Museum in Rome – is decorated with a peaceful story from the life of Alexander. In this story, the young Alexander, determined to strengthen his concentration and willpower, would hold a ball while studying. If he became too relaxed or sleepy, the ball would clatter noisily onto a copper dish and wake him.

Statue of Dionysus: Roman copy of Greek original from late 4th – early 3rd century BCE
Marble
Frascati, Italy, 2nd century CE

Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, madness and theatre. He was popular in Macedon and Alexander’s mother Olympias was a devotee, so Alexander knew him from a young age. Dionysus was a guiding star on Alexander’s eastern campaign. Historians used Dionysus to create the myth of Alexander as the god was seen as a bringer of culture and had travelled in the east. Conversely, myths of Dionysus were enriched by Alexander’s campaigns. No myth existed about Dionysus in India prior to Alexander; however, the presence of ivy in the Khyber Pass encouraged Alexander to think he was following in Dionysus’ footsteps and the myth soon ‘appeared’.