Artwork
Diogenes Casting Away His Bowl

Diogenes Casting Away His Bowl is an ink print by the Baroque artist Salvator Rosa. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Diogenes Casting Away His Bowl is a 1615 etching by Italian Baroque artist Salvator Rosa, showcasing his printmaking skills alongside his better-known painting career.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the Cynic philosopher Diogenes rejecting material comforts by discarding his bowl, symbolizing his philosophical stance. The scene, set amidst four men in a wooded, rocky area, suggests a narrative moment, potentially conveying a lesson or satire, with an accompanying Latin text hinting at deeper thematic resonance.
Technique & Style
Characterized by detailed linework, the etching features intricate renderings of nature—thick branches, leaves, and rocky ground—reflecting Rosa’s emphasis on capturing the wild and untamed in his work.
History & Provenance
Created during Rosa’s active period in major Italian cities (Naples, Rome, Florence), the etching also reflects his multifaceted career as a painter, poet, satirist, and printmaker, amidst a backdrop of controversy sparked by his outspoken critiques.
Context
As part of the Baroque era, the etching’s dramatic natural setting and focus on a philosophical figure align with contemporary artistic themes, while its satirical undertones resonate with Rosa’s reputation for criticism.
Legacy
While specific long-term impact of *Diogenes Casting Away His Bowl* is not detailed, it contributes to Rosa’s recognized versatility and the enduring interest in detailed etchings of the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Salvator Rosa (1615 – 15 March 1673) is best known today as an Italian Baroque painter, whose romanticised landscapes and history paintings, often set in dark and untamed nature, exerted considerable influence from the 17th century into…
















