Democritus — Hendrick ter Brugghen

Hendrick ter Brugghen. Painted 1628.

The Greek philosophers Democritus and Heraclitus were considered to be polar opposites. In contrast to the old, melancholy Heraclitus (the nearby pendant), Democritus appears as a young, laughing hedonist. He points to the distance, as though that is where the folly of mankind is found. Together, the pair of paintings conveys a moralizing message: whether you laugh or cry, the world remains incurably foolish.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Currently on display in Main building, The birth of the Republic / Mannerism and caravaggism, 17th Century.

oil paint (paint), canvas · Original size: 70 × 85.7 cm · Gift of B. Asscher, Amsterdam and H. Koetser, Amsterdam

Print: 70 × 85.7 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200109167. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.