Rembrandt van Rijn - Aristotle with a Bust of Homer 1653
Aristotle with a Bust of Homer 1653
136x143cm oil/canvas
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY, US
The image is only being used for informational and educational purposes
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From Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City:
Aristotle (384–322 B.C.) rests his hand reflectively on a bust of Homer, the blind epic poet of the Iliad and the Odyssey. A medallion representing Alexander the Great, whom Aristotle tutored, hangs from the heavy gold chain. The philosopher contemplates material rewards as opposed to spiritual values, with the play of light and shadow on his features suggesting the motions of his mind. Painted for the great Sicilian collector Antonio Ruffo, the picture also refers to Aristotle's comparison of touch and sight as a means of acquiring knowledge. For more information about this painting, visit metmuseum.org.