On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01207
- Author
- Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
- Title
- Menippus
- Chronology
- 1639-1640
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 179 cm x 94 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- No
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal collection
A Greek philosopher born into
slavery in Gandara around 270 B.C.,
he was part of the school of
philosophy founded by Diogenes.
These philosophers were called
“cynics” because of their disdain
for appearance and social
distinctions. Velasquez's depiction
of Menippus with a disheveled
appearance formally recalls the
artist's prototype of the Spanish
beggars of his time.
The open book on the floor alludes
to his disdain for mundane
banalities, while the urn
precariously perched on a board on
two spheres may be a reference to
the philosopher's ideas about the
lightness of life.
Here, as in many of his works,
Velasquez shows the contrast
between the physical condition and
the intellectual stature of his
sitter. His loose, fluid technique
emphasizes the value of the
philosopher's face.
Along with Aesop (P1206) and Mars
(P1208), this portrait was probably
intended to decorate one of the
rooms of the Torre de la Parada.
After hanging in the Pardo Palace
and the Royal Palace during the
eighteenth century, it entered the
Prado Museum in 1819.
