Democritus c. 1636 - 1660

This is an engraving of Democritus by an anonymous artist. Democritus, a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, was known for his atomic theory, but he was also called the "Laughing Philosopher" because he found human affairs ridiculous. Here, Democritus's face is heavily lined and marked, perhaps suggesting a life of contemplation or hardship. He is dressed in what appears to be armor, which may allude to the tumultuous times in which he lived or serve as a metaphor for the armor one needs to face the world with a philosophical outlook. The Italian inscription speaks to his scorn for human affairs and earthly pomps, which he ridiculed with laughter, exposing their vanity. The emotional complexity in this work resides in the tension between the philosopher’s apparent weariness and his scornful amusement. It asks us to consider how we, too, might find both humor and sadness in the human condition.