Diogenes Searching for an Honest Man 1642

Jacob Jordaens painted this scene of ‘Diogenes Searching for an Honest Man’ in Flanders, now Belgium, during the 17th century. It speaks to a time of religious conflict, the rise of merchant capitalism and increasing urbanization. Jordaens has depicted the Greek philosopher Diogenes holding a lantern in broad daylight as he searches for an honest man. The people surrounding him are too busy feasting, drinking, and making music, and are uninterested in his search. Honesty seems impossible in this social context. The scene could allude to the art market itself, with Diogenes’s search an allegory of the artist’s own search for a patron of integrity. Paintings such as these are invaluable sources for historians, revealing how artists commented on the social structures of their time. To understand the painting better, we can consult historical documents, personal letters, economic data, and religious pamphlets. These resources help us interpret the meaning of art, and to understand its role within a specific time and place.