AUBUSSON Alexander and Hephaestion entering the tent of the defeated Darius. Polychrome wool tapestry. Borders decorated with leaves and flowers. The upper part centered on an armorial cartouche under a crown. Possibly shortened in height in the lower part. Late 17th century. 280 x 412 cm. Wear, scratches, a few tears, especially above the coat of arms. The tapestry depicts Alexander and Hephaestion entering the tent of Darius, whom they have just defeated at the battle of Issus. Darius' mother, Sysigambis, to protect the women and children from possible reprisals by the victors, throws herself at the feet of Ephaestion, whom she takes to be Alexander, to beg for his clemency. This scene is described in Quinte Curce, Histoire d'Alexandre translated into French in 1655. Painted in 1660-1661 by Charles Le Brun at the Château de Versailles, this composition was reproduced in a simplified version by the liciers at Les Gobelins from 1664, and then at Aubusson.