Caesar van Everdingen combined various genres in this painting: he depicted a story from classical antiquity in a contemporary market setting , and incorporated portraits of a Haarlem family. The main subject of the painting is the story of Diogenes, who in broad daylight went to the market in Athens. When someone asked him what he was doing, he replied that he was looking for an honest man. There were plenty in the market place one would think, but Diogenes saw not a single one, " for you show that there is no honesty in your hearts, your brutish lives prove that, though you call yourselves men , you are actually beasts " Diogenes is portrayed here as an old man. He stands in the middle of a group of people with the features of individuals : they are unmistakably portraits, most likely members of the Steyn family of Haarlem. The man and woman at the far right who wear 16th century attire, are presumably their ancestors.
About Me
- Girodet
- " Every day we should hear at least one good song , read one good poem , see one exquisite picture , and , if possible , speak a few sensible words . " Johann Wolfgang von Goethe "
Wednesday 7 November 2012
' Diogenes Looking For an Honest Man ' Caesar van Everdingen . Dutch (1616-1678) Oil on panel, circa 1652. Royal Picture Gallery, Maurithuis, The Hague, Netherlands.
Caesar van Everdingen combined various genres in this painting: he depicted a story from classical antiquity in a contemporary market setting , and incorporated portraits of a Haarlem family. The main subject of the painting is the story of Diogenes, who in broad daylight went to the market in Athens. When someone asked him what he was doing, he replied that he was looking for an honest man. There were plenty in the market place one would think, but Diogenes saw not a single one, " for you show that there is no honesty in your hearts, your brutish lives prove that, though you call yourselves men , you are actually beasts " Diogenes is portrayed here as an old man. He stands in the middle of a group of people with the features of individuals : they are unmistakably portraits, most likely members of the Steyn family of Haarlem. The man and woman at the far right who wear 16th century attire, are presumably their ancestors.
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