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Diogenes

Jean-Léon Gérôme (French, 1824-1904)

1860

oil on canvas

H: 29 5/16 x W: 39 3/4 in. (74.5 x 101 cm); Framed H: 41 7/16 x W: 52 3/16 x D: 6 in. (105.25 x 132.56 x 15.24 cm)

Description
The Greek philosopher Diogenes (404-323 BC) is seated in his abode, the earthenware tub, in the Metroon, Athens, lighting the lamp in daylight with which he was to search for an honest man. His companions were dogs that also served as emblems of his "Cynic" (Greek: "kynikos," dog-like) philosophy, which emphasized an austere existence. Three years after this painting was first exhibited, Gerome was appointed a professor of painting at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts where he would instruct many students, both French and foreign.
Additional Information

Acquired by William T. Walters, 1872

37.131

Not on view, out on exhibition loan

[Signature] Upper left: J. L. Gerome; [Date] Upper left: MDCCLX

France


Provenance

August Belmont, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; August Belmont Sale, New York, November, 1872, no. 31; William T. Walters, Baltimore, 1872, by purchase; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1894, by inheritance; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

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