Details
A Continental late 19th century tapering circular beaker on ball feet and with a moulded rim, chased with a broad frieze depicting the Philosopher Diogenes and Alexander the Great, Berthold Miller, bearing import marks for London 1895 - 5½in., 8.75oz.
Further details
According to the legend Diogenes despised worldly possessions to the extent of making his home in a tub or barrel. He was visited by Alexander the Great who invited him to ask for any favour he chose. Diogenes simply requested that the Emperor stand aside as he was shading him from the sun. On the above piece one can see Alexander, having dismounted from his horse Bucephalus, standing before Diogenes. The latter sits out side his tub gesturing to Alexander to step aside.