
Poppy Harvey-Jones
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Head of Sale
Provenance
Private Collection, Italy
Stylistically, the current painting belongs to the group of artists active in Rome in the 17th Century later described as the pittori del dissenso. Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione called il Grechetto, Andrea de Leone, Pier Francesco Mola, Pietro Testa and Salvator Rosa all came together in Rome at this point and demonstrated similar artistic sensibilities. The particular quality of the present work is revealed in the understated gesture of the central figure, the brooding, romantic landscape in the distance and the detailed still life in sharp relief, lower centre. The inscription on the cover of the book held by Diogenes – LODIAM IL FINE – reveals in particular Salvator Rosa's interest philosophical subjects and the monogram and the inscription are a further reference to the latter artist's work.
One of the founders of the Cynical school, Diogenes was known for his non-conformist existence, marked by his disregard for material objects and his embracing of poverty. Here Diogenes is represented in the act of distancing himself from his material life, represented by the rich still life at his feet, and taking up the path of philosophy. Standing before his simple shelter, he is simply clothed and carries with him a book, symbolising his knowledge.