Democritus 18th century

This basalt bust of Democritus was crafted around 1770 by Wedgwood and Bentley. Observe the serene expression on the philosopher’s face, a subtle smile playing on his lips, embodying the idea of "Democritean laughter," a symbol of wisdom. This motif echoes through time; in Renaissance paintings, we find similar expressions on the faces of enlightened figures. Compare this to depictions of medieval saints; the contrast reveals a shift towards humanism, celebrating earthly wisdom. The act of portraying a philosopher's visage can be seen across the ages, like those serious yet subtle smiles in the work of da Vinci. Such iconography taps into our collective memory, resonating deeply. This image evokes feelings of intellectual curiosity. See how the image pulls you in through the ages, and lingers through time.