Croesus and Solon

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This painting depicts a legendary moment recounted by the ancient Greek historians Herodotus and Plutarch: Solon, an Athenian philosopher and lawmaker, disputes with Croesus, King of Lydia, on the subject of happiness.

We see Solon approach Croesus as he passes through the ruler’s palace at Sardis, the Lydian capital. Croesus, who was famously wealthy, asked the philosopher to name the happiest man in the world, believing it to be himself. He was disappointed to hear Solon answer that three men had been happier than he. Solon argued that, contrary to Croesus’ belief, human happiness is dependent not on wealth but on the good fortune of a person’s life overall.

This detailed painting was made by two artists working in collaboration: the impressive interiors are by the architectural specialist Hendrick Steenwyck the Younger, while the figures and flowers are by an unknown artist working in the style of Jan Brueghel the Elder.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Croesus and Solon

Date

about 1610

Medium

Oil on copper

Measurements

H 31.1 x W 22.9 cm

Accession number

NG1132

Acquisition method

Bought, 1882

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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