The Renaissance period is commonly described as a period of rebirth of classical literature and arts, and the push for individuality. Naturally within an era rooted in individuality one could expect to find accounts of nonheteronormative sexuality. Since not all people of the times were literate enough to write their own accounts, a better understanding of the times comes from the famous Renaissance art. Artist Giovanni Antonio Bazzi, also known as Il Sodoma, painted many works in his life that offered the viewers glimpses into sexuality during the Renaissance. One of his works that will be examined in this text is the fresco Marriage of Roxana and Alexander the Great.

When looking at a piece of Renaissance art it is important to consider all aspects of the piece. Things that can be examined are who commissioned the piece and for what purpose. Some art was highly visible and some was not, which plays a huge role in the meaning. In this case the painting was commissioned for Agostino Chigi’s state bedroom, so it was likely not as visible during his lifetime. It is also important to look at the artist himself and what his views were on certain matters. Giovanni Antonio Bazzi’s nickname, Il Sodoma, comes from the biblical city of Sodom, a city that represents homosexuality and sin in the stories of the bible. His other works included angrogounous people (St. Sebastian c. 1525) and other themes of sexulaity. The work Marriage of Roxana and Alexander the Great paints a similar picture. In this image we can not only consider the relationship between Alexander and Roxana, but that of Alexander and Hephaestion, Alexander’s best man and presumed lover. 

Lastly, when looking at this work it will be important to note that one should not look at it only through a “modern” lens. Homosexuality during this time was quite different than it is today. While it still was frequent, it is shown in art in deeper knowledge of the subjects being painted and in subtle ways such as the placement of a hand or the closeness of a friend.