Diogenes' Corner by Davis Morton

DIOGENES' CORNER / 1998 / oil on canvas / 25" x 36"  SOLD... Read a painting comment below...

      In ancient Athens, Greece, the Agora or center of the city, was at the base of the Acropolis where the upper Plaka is today. The first time I walked up there I was thinking of that history when I was struck by a time-warp from a different era. Selling and wearing the same kind of clothes Jimmy Hendrix might have worn, the narrow steps were lined with aging European Hippies.
     Like some people in the 1960’s, the Greek philosopher Diogenes didn't believe in owning personal property. In the summer heat he would sit naked in a puddle at his corner. He would splash himself with mud as he held court with his disciples. When Alexander the Great conquered Athens and finally found the great philosopher he reportedly said, “Diogenes, I am Alexander. I will give you anything you want.” Looking up from his puddle Diogenes supposedly answered, “Could you move a little to the left. You’re in my sun.” In my painting this is “Diogenes’ Corner,” and although he would disapprove of those aging Hippies making money, I thought Diogenes might feel right at home in a puddle there today.