Diogenes of Sinope (ca 404-ca 323 BC)

What little is known about the life of Diogenes of Sinope is due to Diogenes Laertius’s work (Life and opinions of eminent philosophers). He exiled himself in Athens where he was a disciple of a of Socrates’ pupil. He regarded his poverty as a virtue. His home would be a barrel. With his lighted lantern in broad daylight he was looking for an honest man. Alexander the Great visited Diogenes in Corinth.


O pouco que se sabe da vida de Diogenes de Sinope chegou-nos pela obra de Diógenes Laércio (vida e opiniões de filósofos eminentes). Exilou-se em Atenas onde foi discípulo de um aluno de Sócrates. Encarava a sua pobreza como virtude. A sua casa seria um barril. Com lanterna acesa em pleno dia procurava um homem honesto. Alexandre, o Grande visitou-o em Corinto.

Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824-1904)-'Diogenes sitting in his barrel surrounded by dogs'-oil on canvas Baltimore-The Walters Art Museum

John William Waterhouse (1849-1917)-'Diogenes'-oil on canvas Sydney-Art Gallery of New South Wales

Caspar de Crayer (1582-1669)-'Alexander the Great and Diogenes (Corinth)'-oil on canvas-ca 1650 Koln-Wallraf Richard Museum

Attr. Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein (1751-1828)-'Diogenes searches for an honest man'-oil on canvas-ca 1760

Jan Victors (1619-1676)-'Diogenes'-oil on canvas