Democritus 1628

hendrickterbrugghen1

painting, oil-paint

portrait

allegory

baroque

painting

oil-paint

figuration

history-painting

Hendrick ter Brugghen's "Democritus" (1628) is a captivating portrayal of the ancient Greek philosopher, renowned for his laughter at the absurdity of human life. The painting depicts Democritus with a wide, open mouth and a gleeful expression, his gaze directed upwards as he gestures towards the celestial sphere at his side. The artist's masterful use of light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, highlighting Democritus's passionate laughter. This oil on canvas work, measuring 85.7 cm in height and 70 cm in width, exemplifies ter Brugghen's skill as a portraitist and his fascination with the subject of human emotion, which is characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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The Greek philosophers Democritus and Heraclitus were considered to be polar opposites. In contrast to the old, melancholy Heraclitus (the nearby pendant), Democritus appears as a young, laughing hedonist. He points to the distance, as though that is where the folly of mankind is found. Together, the pair of paintings conveys a moralizing message: whether you laugh or cry, the world remains incurably foolish.