bronze statue of Diogenes the Cynic

Also known as Diogenes of Sinope (his birthplace, which he left under somewhat of a shadow), he was the ancient Greek philosopher who founded Cynicism (413-321 BCE)

Known for his ascetic lifestyle and radical criticism and rejection of social conventions, he advocated a return to nature, the renunciation of wealth, and proclaimed himself a 'kosmopolites', a 'citizen of the world'. This quotation is attributed to him: 'Let the whole world be large enough for me, let me call the universe my home.'

Dividing his time between Athens and Corinth, he embraced a life of poverty and self-sufficiency, famous for his unconventional behaviours that openly challenged the norms of society.

Diogenes made a distinction between actual poverty (being economically poor) and the feeling of poverty (suffering from chronic dissatisfaction due to unmet social expectations). He lived in a large pithos (a ceramic jar usually meant for storing foodstuffs), and wandered about barefoot, dishevelled, and scantily clad with a lit lantern in broad daylight, claiming to be 'looking for a (wise) man - sophos'. In vain!

Emulating Sokrates, Diogenes publicly questioned those who claimed to possess wisdom (sophia), and he preferred to engage people in their everyday lives rather than teach in formal educational settings, as other philosophers did.

Hephaistos would be amazed by the craftsmanship and quality of this wonderful collection!

These superb bronze pieces are cast in Greece using the traditional lost wax method. As nothing is mass-produced, there will inevitably be slight variations in texture, patina, and colour. No two pieces are ever the same. If mounted, the base is of black marble.

Please note that there may be a variation of some millimetres in the dimensions of the base from time to time, and that accessories such as spears, tridents or javelins may vary in length or height! If you need precise dimensions and weight, email me!

If you need a piece to fit a very specific space, or if you want me to take a photo of a couple of pieces so you can pick the one you want, I will do so with pleasure.

Every piece is deliciously tactile.

It's All Greek is so grateful and so proud to have been working closely with the Semitekolo family foundry since 1999. It has been a privilege and a joy to handle, live with, to photograph and describe these gorgeous pieces, before passing them on to passionate and grateful customers all over the world.

If you already own one of these pieces, cherish it!