Alexander Ordering Homer’s Iliad to Be Placed in a Coffer, Jean III Pénicaud (French, active 1584–1613), Limoges, mid-16th century. Enamel and gold on copper, 19.3 x 22 cm (image); 27.5 x 29.9 cm (sheet). Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase, 220:1923.

Under the direction of Alexander the Great (reigned 336–323 BCE), standing in profile at right, a bearded man lowers an object into a lidded box. This story comes from the Greek writer Plutarch’s life of Alexander. Victorious over the Persian ruler Darius in 332 BCE, Alexander’s troops had seized one of Darius’ most precious possessions, a coffer or chest, and brought it to Alexander, who declared that Homer’s "Iliad" should be put inside. The "Iliad" is one of the oldest surviving works of Western literature with its written version dating to roughly the 8th century BCE. The artist was one of a celebrated family of enamellists who specialized in grisaille, or gray and white, work. This sumptuous plaque, with shields and battle implements drawn in gold behind the figures, displays the late Renaissance interest in depicting the human form in elegant and artful poses that testify to the abilities of the artist.