Alexander Cuts the Gordian Knot

Why it's great

According to legend, whoever could untie the huge Gordian knot would rule Asia. Alexander drew his sword and cut straight through it. Jean-Simon Berthélemy painted this clever solution in 1767.

🏛️ Part of history

Alexander the Great (336–323 BC) — According to legend, whoever could untie the huge Gordian knot would rule Asia.

Where to see it

📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.

Hang it on your wall

⬇ Hi-res download 2,048 × 1,601 px · 3.3 megapixels · prints up to about 7 × 5 inches at 300 dpi File page & license ↗

Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:

💵 Budget Etsy ↗ Posters and simple prints from small sellers, usually the lowest prices. 🖼️ Mid-range Fine Art America ↗ Good printing on paper, canvas or metal, made to order, with framing options. 🏛️ High-end Meisterdrucke ↗ Museum-grade giclée prints on archival paper or canvas, the closest to the real thing.

These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.

About the artist

Jean-Simon Berthélemy

1743–1811 · born in Laon · died in Paris

Jean-Simon Berthélemy was a French painter born in Laon in 1743. He worked in Paris, where he painted large history pictures for the royal court and, later, for the Revolution and Napoleon. He died in Paris in 1811.