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In a perfect oval highlighted in gold, the scene is represented with a multitude of characters. The figure bedecked with ribbons is the Emperor Alexander. The story goes that the latter commissioned Appelles, illustrated by the man holding the paintbrush, to paint the portrait of Campaspe, one of his most beautiful mistresses. The painter fell madly in love with her. The watercolour shows the precise moment when Apelles starts to have feelings for Campaspe.
This work shows Jacob Hoefnagel to be a great miniaturist, just like his father, Joris Hoefnagel.
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