Alexander Weighing Gifts for his Tutor Leonidas, Jean III Pénicaud (French, active 1584–1613), Limoges, mid-16th century. Enamel and gold on copper, 19.5 x 22.1 cm (image); 27.9 x 30.8 cm (sheet). Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase, 221:1923.

Enthroned in the center, Alexander the Great (reigned 336–323 BCE) oversees the weighing of gifts to be sent to his childhood tutor, Leonidas. The writer Plutarch recounted how, when Alexander’s army distributed the spoils gleaned from their defeat of the Persian ruler Darius III, Alexander had frankincense and myrrh sent to Leonidas. The tutor cautioned Alexander as a child to use both of these spices sparingly. Only after Alexander ruled the lands that produced them could he use these luxuries extravagantly. This account prophesized that Alexander would one day be a conqueror. This sumptuous plaque, with shields and battle implements drawn in gold behind the figures, displays the late Renaissance interest in depicting the human form. Note the fit physique of Alexander as well as his attending soldier, shown at the right with his back to the viewer.