Head of a Philosopher, called 'Democritus'
Salvator Rosa (Arenella, Naples 1615 – Rome 1673)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1645 - 1673
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
660 x 482 mm (26 x 19 in)
Place of origin
Rome
Order this imageCollection
Stourhead, Wiltshire
NT 732101
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Head of a Philosopher, called 'Democritus', attributed to Salvator Rosa (Arenella, Naples 1615 - Rome 1673). A study of the head and shoulders of a grey-haired bearded man in a brown cloak, facing right and looking out at the spectator. The figure has been given the name of 'Democritus', the philosopher of Ancient Greece (born Abdera, Thrace circa 460 BC - circa 370 BC) who developed an atomic theory for the cosmos.
Provenance
Acquired by Richard Colt Hoare 2nd Bt (1758 – 1838); given to the National Trust along with the house, its grounds, and the rest of contents by Sir Henry Hugh Arthur Hoare, 6th Bt (1865 – 1947) in 1946
Credit line
Stourhead, The Hoare Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
Salvator Rosa (Arenella, Naples 1615 – Rome 1673), artist
References
Stourhead Wiltshire, 1992: List of Pictures, [National Trust; Anthony Mitchell & Alastair Laing] 1992 , p.15