FRENCH SCHOOL AROUND 1700
Diogenes searching for the bones of Alexander's father
Grey wash over black pencil lines
13.5 x 23 cm - 20 x 29.5 cm framed
Small spots
Box
A cartoonist of the generation of Bon Boullogne or Noël Coypel. A very confidential subject in the history of Alexander (virtually no other representation in art history).
He refers to an anecdote reported by Diogenes Laërtius in his Lives and Opinions of Famous Philosophers (Book VI, 46), and subsequently repeated by other ancient authors.
Here is the gist of the passage:
One day, Alexander found Diogenes busy stirring up a pile of human bones. He asked him what he was doing.
Diogenes replied, "I am looking for the bones of your father Philip, but I cannot distinguish them from those of the slaves."
Free and insured shipping within mainland France. Can be viewed and collected at my stall at the Saint-Ouen flea market.
Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
+33(0)6 87 57 59 30
poldoneve@laposte.net
