Items Similar to Portrait Philosopher Democritus Beinaschi Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17
Portrait Philosopher Democritus Beinaschi Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas1650-1670
1650-1670
$9,178.71
£6,818.25
€7,670
CA$12,662.67
A$13,919.76
CHF 7,315.59
MX$169,036.60
NOK 91,260.12
SEK 86,462.55
DKK 58,388.01
About the Item
Giovanni Battista Beinaschi (Fossano, c. 1634 – Naples, 1688)
Portrait of the philosopher Democritus (showing a book with a white cover)
Oil on canvas (82 x 64 cm - Framed 95 x 75 cm.)
The painting shows an intense image of the Greek philosopher Democritus, portrayed as a mature man holding a book in his hands, an emblem of a life dedicated to study, and is presented here as a pendant to the portrait of the philosopher Heraclitus (see photo in the details).
This type of subject, dedicated to the great philosophers or scholars of antiquity, was very dear to the figurative tradition and collecting tastes of the 17th century: in our case, we have one of the two key figures of pre-Socratic philosophical thought, often juxtaposed because of their opposing and complementary views of the human condition.
If we look in detail at the iconography of the two philosophers, Heraclitus and Democritus, the portrait presented here follows the tradition that generally contrasts the sombre and contemplative character of the former with the more open and detached character of the latter.
This opposite attitude towards reality and the human condition made them symbolic figures in thought and a favourite subject of various artists, especially in the Baroque period, due to their strong symbolic value and implications for the interpretation of the human condition (1).
In the painting shown here, Democritus, “the atomist philosopher”, gazes fixedly and detachedly at the observer, representing his view of life.
According to his philosophy, in fact, all reality is just a meaningless dance of atoms, and it is therefore useless to strive to find meaning in existence.
There is no point in agonising over the absurdity of the world, but rather in distancing oneself from passions and facing them with lightness.
The observer is captivated by the enigmatic nature of his expression, and the book with the white cover that the philosopher holds in his hand becomes its symbol.
As for the style of the work, the scholar is depicted with a profound scenographic approach in a vigorous Baroque style, with marked facial features. The backlighting effects and a magical chiaroscuro atmosphere make the character dynamic, oriented towards a light source that touches his face.
By studying the characteristics and related details, we can attribute the work to the late Baroque painter Giovan Battista Beinaschi (1634 - 1688), whose prolific activity was concentrated between Rome, where he trained, and Naples.
Nevertheless, he moved frequently throughout his career between Turin, Parma, perhaps Bologna and Genoa, assimilating varied artistic influences from each place.
Although he initially showed a propensity for Roman classicism, this influence was soon supplanted by an increasingly pronounced approach to the Baroque cultural front. (1)
We can find many examples of this interesting iconography in art, for example in Hendrick ter Brugghen's “Heraclitus and Democritus”, or in the same subject by Gregorio Preti.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with a gilded wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.
We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda.
We would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.
Please feel free to contact us for any further information.
- Attributed to:Giovanni Battista Beinaschi (Fossano, c. 1634 – Naples, 1688)
- Creation Year:1650-1670
- Dimensions:Height: 37.41 in (95 cm)Width: 29.53 in (75 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Riva del Garda, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU988116931702
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2017
1stDibs seller since 2018
260 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Riva del Garda, Italy
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllPortrait Philosopher Heraclitus Beinaschi Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Giovanni Battista Beinaschi (Fossano c. 1634 - Naples 1688)
Portrait of the philosopher Heraclitus (absorbed in reading)
Oil on canvas (82 x 64 cm - Framed 95 x 75 cm.)
The p...
Category
17th Century Old Masters Paintings
Materials
Oil
Saint Jerome De Somer Paint Oil on canvas 17th Century Old master Flemish Art
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Hendrick de Somer, known as Enrico Fiammingo
(Lokeren 1602 - Naples 1655)
Saint Jerome penitent in the cave
oil on canvas
103 x 130 cm. - In original period frame 123 x 152 cm.
Th...
Category
17th Century Old Masters Paintings
Materials
Oil
$10,578 Sale Price
20% Off
Saint Mark Evangelist Guercino Paint Oil on canvas Old master 17th Century Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Workshop of Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Il Guercino (Cento, 1591 - Bologna, 1666)
Saint Mark the Evangelist
Oil on canvas - 85 x 71 cm., Framed 100 x 86 cm.
Of great cha...
Category
17th Century Old Masters Paintings
Materials
Oil
$7,218 Sale Price
20% Off
Saint John Baptist Pombioli Paint 17th Century Oil on canvas Old master Italy
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Tomaso Pombioli (Crema, 1579 – Crema, 1636)
Saint John the Baptist
Oil on canvas 99 x 130 cm. In frame 120 x 152 cm.
Reference bibliography: M. Marubbi and C. Piastrella, L'...
Category
17th Century Old Masters Paintings
Materials
Oil
St Joseph Paint Oil on canvas Lombard School 17th Century Religious Old master
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Lombard School of the 17th century
St. Joseph with Flower Stick
Oil on oval canvas
92 x 70 cm.
In antique frame 106 x 85 cm.
The work shows us an intense image of St. Joseph, portrayed according to the classical iconography that sees him as a mature man holding in his hands a staff from which lilies bloom, symbol of the Virgin's purity.
This iconographic attribute also alludes to his figure as God's chosen one as Mary's future husband. According to the apocryphal gospels, the Virgin had grown up in the Temple of Jerusalem, following a monastic lifestyle, and when she reached marriageable age, each of the suitors was given a dry branch...
Category
17th Century Old Masters Paintings
Materials
Oil
$4,853 Sale Price
20% Off
Saint Jerome Venetian School Paint Oil on canvas Old master 16/17th Century Art
By Jacopo Negretti, known as Palma the Younger (Venice 1544 - 1628)
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
Venetian school of the end of the 16th century
Circle of Jacopo Negretti, known as Palma the Younger (Venice 1544 - 1628)
Saint Jerome Penitent
Oil painting on canvas
85 x 64 cm. - In frame 97 x 76 cm.
This splendid painting, which offers us an intense representation of San Girolamo...
Category
16th Century Old Masters Paintings
Materials
Oil
$7,342 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
18th Century by Giuseppe Antonio Petrini, Portrait of Saint Peter, Oil on canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Giuseppe Antonio Petrini, (Carona, Italy, 1677 – 1757 ca.)
Title: Portrait of Saint Peter
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: without frame 75.5 x 63 cm - with frame 96 x 83 x 5 cm
Not signed
Expertise by Professor Giancarlo Sestieri
Provenance: Luigi Koeliker - Koetser Collection. Collection number 858 on verso.
The apostle in half-length portrait, looking upwards. His shoulders are bare from his blue shirt, a brown cloak is draped over his arm. In his hand he holds the ‘keys to paradise’, which make him attributively recognisable. The bearded face shows the pleading remorse for his defamation of Christ described in the biblical account. The painting style immediately reveals Petrini's brushwork. The painter, who was born in Ticino, is one of the northern Italian-Lombard artists of the late Baroque period, who was possibly associated with Bartolomeo Guidobono (1654-1709) in Turin after 1700 and is documented with works in his home city between 1711 and 1753. Works by his hand were mainly found in the Como, Bergamo and Lugano areas. Other depictions of St Peter can be found in the church of Dubino and in a private collection in Montagnola. In 1991, an exhibition of his works was organised at the Villa Malpensata in Lugano, Switzerland. The painter was the son of a sculptor and, according to the sources, a pupil of the Genoese painter Bartolomeo Guidobono (1654-1709). However, he was also inspired by the works of Andrea Pozzo (1642-1709). Works by his hand can be found in several churches in Piedmont, such as San Maurizio in Pinerolo. At the end of the 1730s, a strong development towards the Rococo style can be recognised, as demonstrated by his ‘Allegories of the Seasons’ (Lugano Art...
Category
18th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
PHILOSOPHER - Neapolitan School - Italian- Figurative Oil on canvas painting
By Ciro De Rosa
Located in Napoli, IT
Philosopher - Ciro De Rosa Italia 2008 - Oil on canvas cm. 60x50
Gold leaf gilded wooden frame available on request
The painting by the painter Ciro De Rosa portrays an old and wise ...
Category
Early 2000s Baroque Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Euklid Philosopher, Portrait of a Man, Old Master Painting, Baroque Art
Located in Greven, DE
Impressive Painting of the philosophy Euclid, painted in the Manner of Luca Giordano.
Provenance: Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 21.11.1995, Lot 46
Category
17th Century Baroque Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
17th Century by Ercole de Maria Penitent Saint Peter Oil on canvas
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Ercole De Maria (…. – 1640 ca.)
Title: Penitent Saint Peter
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: without frame 66 × 50 cm – with frame 80.2 x 60.2 x 5.7 cm
Not signed
Expertise by And...
Category
17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
17th Century by Giovanni Battista Beinaschi Saint Bartholomew Oil on Canvas
By Giovanni Battista Beinaschi
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Giovanni Battista Beinaschi (Fossano, Italy, 1636 - Naples, Italy, 1688)
Title: Saint Bartholomew
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: without frame 9...
Category
Mid-17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Antique Italian painter - 18th century figure painting
Located in Varmo, IT
Italian painter (18th century) - Chrono.
90.5 x 106 cm.
Antique oil painting on canvas, without frame (not signed).
Condition report: Lined canvas. Good state of conservation of t...
Category
Early 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$4,786 Sale Price
20% Off