Alexander and Diogenes

This picture depicts Diogenes, the philosopher who rejected wordly possessions and chose to live in a tub, being visited by Alexander the Great. The latter invited the philosopher to ask any favour of him. Diogenes simply requested that the Emperor, who had just dismounted his horse Bucephalus, 'stand a little less between me and the sun'. The story of Diogenes 'looking for an honest man' was especially popular in 17th century Netherlandish painting. Cornelis de Vos was greatly influenced by Van Dyck and Rubens, and was the latter's assistant in the decoration of Philip IV's hunting lodge near Madrid. His paintings are characterised by intense colours and powerful facial expressions, as is shown in this picture. The contrast between the rich clothing of the Emperor, especially accentuated by the vibrant red of his plumes, and the muted tones of the philosopher, serve to emphasize the worthlessness of material wealth and power over ethical principles.