Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio (ca 1500/1505 - 1565)
Diogenes
Artist
Title
Diogenes
Dating
ca 1526-1527
Material/Technique
Engraving on paper
Dimensions
Tryckyta 28,60 x 21,85 cm
Papper 29,15 x 22,20 cm
Category
Inventory number
G 560/1928
Acquisition
Purchase, 1927
Display Status
Not on display at the museum
Description
The engraving showing the Greek philosopher Diogenes is based on a drawing by the Italian painter and engraver Parmigianino.
Diogenes reputedly turned his back on society and its norms, living a simple life, with a wooden barrel as his home. The plucked chicken in the background is a reference to Diogenes’ scorn for the philosopher Plato’s definition of man as a “featherless biped”. The lantern leaning against the barrel tells the story of one of Diogenes’ philosophical actions, when he supposedly lit a lantern in broad daylight in order to find “an honest man”.
In his engraving, Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio has succeeded in conveying intensity, strength and knowledge.
Signature/Inscription
Signature (vänster sida, i plåten)
Etikett/Stämpel (a tergo nere till vänster): Nationalmuseum
Etikett/Stämpel (a tergo nere till vänster): GM
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till vänster): 560/1928
B. 61 Caraglio efter Parmesan
Inscriptions (a tergo nere mitten): 1680
Exhibition History
Printed. Prints as collector's items, mass media and showpieces, Göteborg, Göteborgs konstmuseum, 14/03/2020 - 16/08/2020