ANONYMOUS (17th century) "Heraclitus and Democritus"

Oil on canvas. Provenance: Collection of the Counts of Altamira. In the lower right corner, collection number 370, corresponding to the post-mortem inventory of Vicente Joaquin Osorio de Moscoso, 15th Count of Altamira. In the 17th century, series depicting philosophers of Antiquity were common in the decoration of grand houses. Examples can be found in the Palacio de Morata belonging to the Marques de Leganes, from which this painting may originate, or in the collection of Pablo Recio Tello, considered the most complete and highly regarded for its quality. The theme of depicting the philosophers Heraclitus and Democritus was widely popular in painting, as it allowed artists to portray two opposing outlooks on life: Heraclitus, who weeps and is pessimistic, and Democritus, who laughs and is positive. Measurements: 102 x 124 cm