What eccentricities did Diogenes display in his life that might have led Raphael to portray him in such an undignified pose?

Answer 1

Diogenes, the ancient Greek philosopher and a prominent figure of Cynicism, was known for his unconventional behavior and disregard for social norms. He famously lived in a large ceramic jar and often exhibited eccentricities such as wandering the streets with a lantern in broad daylight, claiming to search for an honest man. His disdain for material wealth and societal conventions often led him to engage in provocative acts, such as eating and sleeping in public. Raphael's portrayal of Diogenes in an undignified pose likely reflects these eccentricities, emphasizing his rejection of societal expectations and his embrace of a life unencumbered by pretense.