Who painted Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals?

Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals was painted by Carl Russ in 1810.

Where can I see Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals?

Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals?

Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals

Carl Russ , 1810

Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Carl Russ. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Carl Russ’s 1810 print, titled Diogenes in His Tub with Alexander and His Generals, combines etching with aquatint on wove paper. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., and exemplifies the Romantic era’s interest in classical subjects rendered with expressive technique.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts the philosopher Diogenus reclining in a simple tub while the Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great and his officers gather around him. The figures, dressed in antiquated Greek attire, appear engaged in a dialogue, emphasizing the contrast between Diogenus’s asceticism and the power of the imperial entourage.

Technique & Style

Russ employs a combination of line etching and aquatint, producing both fine detail and tonal depth. The aquatint washes create a textured atmosphere that models the figures and background, while the etched lines define the characters’ gestures and clothing, reflecting Romanticism’s preference for dramatic contrast and emotive rendering.

History & Provenance

Created in 1810, the print entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings in the 20th century, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader effort to represent early 19th‑century European printmaking.

Context

The image draws on the well‑known anecdote of Diogenus confronting Alexander, a theme popular among Romantic artists who favored moral exempla from antiquity. By placing the philosopher in a humble tub, Russ underscores the era’s fascination with the noble simplicity of the individual versus worldly ambition.