Whitmore published this truly fabulous puzzle in the 70’s. The title is The Family of Darius before Alexander, by Paolo Veronese. You can admire the original painting at the National Gallery, in London.
Alexander the Great visits the family of King Darius III of Persia, who he has defeated in battle. Darius’s mother Sisygambis mistakes Alexander’s friend Hephaestion for the victor. Alexander comforts Sisygambis, who calls on him to be merciful to Darius’s wife and children. Alexander insists that the family be treated as royalty and retain their finery.
This is a truly rare puzzle and very difficult to find. A delightful puzzle for the connoisseur of fine art masterpieces.
The puzzle is COMPLETE, as you can see in the pictures of the puzzle assembled. The pieces and the box are in excellent condition. Fading has occurred to a portion of the left hand side of the box and the lid is a little concave. Except for that, it is in near perfect condition.
There are not many puzzles with paintings by Paolo Veronese. The largest available puzzle is the 9000 pieces version of The Wedding Feast at Cana, which Ravensburger published in 2001.
More information about The Family of Darius before Alexander:
- Puzzle size: 49.5 x 36.2 cm, 19 1/2″ x 14 1/4″
- Box size: 34 x 22 x 4 cm.
- Reference number: 7745.
- EAN number: N/A.