Diogenes and the Plucked Rooster

Artist Ugo da Carpi (Italian, 1479–1532)

Artistafter Parmigianino (Italian, 1503–1540)

Dateabout 1530

Mediumchiaroscuro woodcut in tan and brown ink on cream laid paper

Dimensions48.3 x 35.6 cm (sheet)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection

Terms

Object number1926.334

Label TextThe color woodcut technique of the Italian Renaissance is known as chiaroscuro, from the words for light and dark. This process employs several blocks, each printing a different tone of the same color. If printed alone, none of the blocks would create a legible image. Ugo claimed the process as his own invention, and in 1517 the Venetian Senate granted him a patent for the technique. This is his most famous print, representing the ancient Greek Diogenes. This philosopher professed action rather than theory, and proved his vow of poverty by living in a barrel.ProvenanceMrs. Kingsmill Marrs, Boston, MA

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