Diogenes. Lodz, 1920.

SZYK, Arthur. Diogenes. [Proszę Pukać]. [Please Knock]. Signed “AS”. (Lodz, 1920). Pen and ink on paper. Sheet size: 5″ x 7″. Image size: 4″ x 5 5/8″. Very Good condition.

This cartoon by Arthur Szyk shows the Greek Cynic philosopher Diogenes, who defied social convention in order to return to what he regarded as a state of nature. The drawing features the bearded and barefoot Diogenes having just emerged from the barrel (in the left of the picture) where he lives. He wears a tunic and carries an umbrella in his left hand. The thumb and index finger of his right hand are pointed to the right, toward a man with whom Diogenes is speaking. In contrast to Diogenes’ appearance, his interlocutor wears a suit and carries a hat and cane. A ventilation shaft is seen rising out of Diogenes’ barrel, a few household items are visible within, and the side of the barrel bears a sign reading “DIOGENES MĘDRZĘC,” which is Polish for “Diogenes the Sage.” Beneath this sign, another notice in Polish reads “PROSZĘ PUKAĆ,” or “PLEASE KNOCK.” A candlestick and a sheet of paper lie on the ground beside the barrel. The heading of the piece of paper says, “WYMYŚL,” meaning “GADGET.” Finally, a small dog stands behind Diogenes at the bottom-center of the picture. Here Szyk makes a joke, since the name “Cynic” in Greek means “like a dog.”