German School circa 1700 - Alexander the Great Discovers Diogenes in the Barrel - image-1

Lot 1283 Dα

German School circa 1700 - Alexander the Great Discovers Diogenes in the Barrel

Auction 1132 - overview Cologne
18.05.2019, 11:00 - Fine Art
Estimate: 3.000 € - 4.000 €
Result: 4.960 € (incl. premium)

German School circa 1700

Alexander the Great Discovers Diogenes in the Barrel

Oil on copper. 9.8 x 14.8 cm.

This finely painted work by an anonymous master depicts a legend establishing the authority of philosophy in the face of political power. Philosophy is represented as a radical way of life, based on Plutarch's narrative. Faced with Diogene's disinterest and disregard, Alexander is said to have exclaimed: "If I were not Alexander the Great, I would like to be Diogenes."