“This drawing captures the intense moment Alexander the Great demonstrates his absolute trust in his physician, Philip, by drinking medicine despite a warning letter of poison. It's a powerful depiction of loyalty and a king's confidence in his inner circle.”
In this dramatic scene, Alexander the Great stands before his physician Philip, who holds a letter warning the king that Philip intends to poison him. Alexander, however, trusts his doctor implicitly. He hands Philip the letter, then drinks the medicine Philip has prepared, a powerful gesture of faith that unfolds before us. The artist uses a stark, theatrical light to highlight Alexander's profile and the physician's concerned expression, drawing our attention to the emotional core of the narrative. The rich, dark washes create a sense of foreboding, emphasizing the high stakes of Alexander's decision. This drawing captures a pivotal moment of trust and loyalty, rendered with a keen eye for human drama.
- Artist
- William Edward West
- Medium
- Brush and brown and black wash, with tan gouache, heightened with white gouache, with incising, on ivory laid paper, laid down on ivory laid card
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- Primary support: 21.8 × 30 cm (8 5/8 × 11 13/16 in.); Secondary support: 30.1 × 36.9 cm (11 7/8 × 14 9/16 in.)
- Collection
- Prints and Drawings
- Culture
- United States
- Credit line
- Gift of Dorothy Braude Edinburg to the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Alexander's unwavering gaze at Philip, conveying his trust.
The letter in Philip's hand, the source of the dramatic tension.
The cup of medicine, poised for Alexander's fateful drink.
The strong contrast of light and shadow, emphasizing the figures.
1 more detail is waiting.
See all 5 in Art Whisper →Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through Alexander's Confidence with his Physician Philip — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
William Edward West
1788–1857 · United StatesWilliam Edward West, an American portrait painter, captured the likenesses of wealthy families and collaborated with author Washington Irving.
Further Works by West
Queen Philippa at the Battle of Neville's Cross
Art Institute of Chicago
The Death of Procris
Art Institute of Chicago
Misty Mountains
1821 · Art Institute of Chicago
The Confessional
1847 · New York Historical
Christ Blessing the Children
Theatrical Leap Frog
1804 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Thomas R. Fosdick
1818 · Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
A column of oriental travelers scattered by a dust storm
1820 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
