A rare collection of six paintings depicting scenes from the life of Alexander the Great has sold at auction for £70,760, exceeding its original pre-sale valuation by more than 88 times, according to reporting by Times of India — Top Stories.
The artworks went under the hammer at auction house Lyon & Turnbull, where they drew significant interest from competing bidders. Prior to the sale, specialists had estimated the collection would fetch between £600 and £800. The final sum represents an extraordinary surge beyond those initial expectations.
Historical Significance and Origin
Dating back to approximately 1500, the six pieces originated in North India during the Sultanate era. The works illustrate historical and legendary moments associated with Alexander the Great, reflecting a complex period of artistic production and cross-cultural exchange in the region.
The auction results reflect sustained collector interest in rare early Indian art, particularly pieces that capture narrative traditions adapted from regional and classical histories.
Persian Literary Traditions
The imagery featured across the six paintings is closely linked to Persian literary heritage, which circulated widely across North Indian courts during the Sultanate period. Alexander, known in Persian traditions as Sikandar, was frequently celebrated in classical poetry and illustrated manuscripts, blending historical lore with elaborate local storytelling traditions.
The successful auction highlights the enduring cultural and artistic value placed on Sultanate-era works that bridge South Asian manuscript traditions with wider regional literature.
