Diogenes Searching for an Honest Man c. 1645-50
Etching | 22.0 x 30.5 cm (platemark) | RCIN 830463
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An etching of Diogenes with his lantern, walking towards a heap of ruined artefacts and three creatures huddled next to it; behind them a terminus of Pan leans against a stone plinth surmounted by a carved pedestal. Signed, lower left. Inscribed with a four-line dedication to Nicolo Simonelli, lower centre; inscribed, lower left; Con licenza de Superiori; inscribed, lower right; Si stampano in Roma per Gio Domenico Rossi alla Pace al Insegna d Parigi. The Greek philosopher searches with his lighted lamp for honesty and integrity among humanity, but all he finds are embodiments of man’s base nature – ruined monuments, an ape (symbolising Lust), a tortoise (Sloth), and an owl (representing Night, and thus Ignorance).
Provenance
Probably Joseph Smith, British Consul in Venice; from whom purchased by George III, 1762
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Etching
Measurements
22.0 x 30.5 cm (platemark)
Category
Object type(s)