Diogenes met de lantaarn
1669 - 1722
Medium
paper
Dimensions
71; 52
About this artwork
mezzotint
Art Historical Context
**Diogenes met de Lantaarn** by Adriaen van der Werff captures the legendary Cynic philosopher Diogenes of Sinope in a moment of wry wisdom. Diogenes, famous for wandering the streets in broad daylight with a lantern, to search for an "honest man," embodies ancient Greek philosophy's challenge to societal norms. Van der Werff, a Dutch Golden Age artist (9–1722), this timeless anecdote in a diminutive format—mere 71mm by 52mm—inviting close contemplation, much like the philosopher's own quest for truth amid everyday illusions. This exquisite work is a mezzotint on paper, a revolutionary 17th-c...
About the Artist
Adriaen van der Werff · 1659–1722
Dutch painter and draughtsman. He was apprenticed to the portrait painter Cornelis Picolet (1626–79) from 1668 to 1670 and then from ca.1671 to 1676 to Eglon van der Neer in Rotterdam. From 1676 van der Werff produced small portraits and genre paintings as an independent master. In 1687 van der Werff, by then a successful artist, married the wealthy Margaretha Rees (1669–1731), whose guardian, Nic...