A fascinating Baroque painting.
I saw at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
This is Salvator Rosa’s rendering of an age-old question about the human condition.
Heraclitus and Democritus were two ancient Greek philosophers.
Heraclitus is the weeping philosopher. According to wiki, he “saw harmony and justice in strife. He viewed the world as constantly in flux, always “becoming” but never “being”.” From antiquity, he has been depicted weeping over the ephemerality of human existence. Democritus is the laughing philosopher. Known for pioneering atomic theory, he is depicted laughing at the folly of human endeavour, and recognising the irony in the world’s chaos.
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What is Salvator Rosa saying about the correct philosophical approach to our condition?
In his composition, he depicts Democritus in a higher position, more youthful, and looking directly at the viewer. He has an expression of amusement. His left hand pointing, I think, subtly at Heraclitus.
I think he’s telling us to stay cheerful in spite of our troubles.
A message I agree with.
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