Alexander's Ancient Authors, Renaissance Humanists, and Altdorfer's Painting

Among the many ancient biographers of Alexander the Great, three are especially noteworthy for the Renaissance artist for their compelling and colorful portrayal of the Macedonian king. Two of the authors are Greek, Plutarch and Arrian, and one is Roman, Quintus Curtius Rufus. Their biographies are among the most important, although none of these writers was contemporary with Alexander. ¹