Plate with Alexander and Diogenes

On this plate, Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) is shown visiting Diogenes of Sinope (412-323 BCE), a Greek philosopher who lived without worldly possessions in a wooden tub. Described by the Greek biographer Plutarch (46-120 CE) in his Life of Alexander (Book 14), when Alexander appeared before Diogenes, the philosopher’s only request was that the powerful military hero step aside, as he was blocking the sunlight. On the right side of the scene, Alexander’s companions appear puzzled, indicating their disbelief at Diogenes’ wish and his indifference to social hierarchy. The back of the plate is white stained with green, with one raised circle at the rim; in the center in blue is the inscription, “1534/÷Alisandro•Magnio•/in urbino.”

This composition is representative of the “istoriato” (tells a story) style, which emerged at the beginning of the sixteenth century, and often depicted stories from Classical literature. It was made in the prominent maiolica center of Urbino, by the artist Giulio da Urbino, and the date 1534 is painted on the back of the plate. To see other works by Giulio da Urbino, click on his name in the creator field; for more information on “istoriato” wares, see no. 48.1487; for “maiolica,” see 48.1336.

Inscription

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Guidi Collection [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [no. 40]; Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.