1. Birth and Places of Activity Protogenes was born around 345 BC, as evidenced by sources and the so-called “monument of Protogenes” in Caunus of Caria,1 which is associated with the artist.2 He later acquired the citizenship of Xanthus in Lycia,3 while he probably became a Rhodian too, since the island was his base for a large part of his life. Pliny believes that Protogenes created his masterpieces on the island. The artist also worked in Athens for an unknown period. 2. Works Protogenes was a self-taught artist. Before he realised his exceptional talent in large painting, he used to live as a beggar and worked as an unskilled craftsman. When his talent was recognised, he wrote two books on large painting. As a sculptor, he specialised in creating bronze statues. None of his works has survived, while any discussion about the artist is mainly based on Pliny, who, apart from the list of his works, also preserved a number of stories from his life. Protogenes was famous for a painting depicting the hero Ialysos4 of Rhodes, on which he worked for seven years. When the painting was near completion, in 305-304 BC, Demetrius Poliorcetes (the “Besieger”) happened to campaign against Rhodes and, out of respect for such an exceptional work of art, ordered that his troops should avoid setting the city to fire. During the siege the artist continued working ignoring the military operations saying that the king was fighting Rhodes rather than art. Demetrius kept Protogenes under guard to secure his life and the artist painted his renowned Resting Satyr under these circumstances. 3. Evaluation Pliny considers Protogenes one of the most famous painters of his time. Cicero reports him among the painters who elevated their art to an incomparable level of perfection.5 The fact that Protogenes was Apelles’ great rival confirms his excellence. Apelles considered him his friend, recognised his talent and respected his art. There was a time when the two painters competed in drawing the thinnest line. Moreover, when Apelles saw Protogenes’ Ialysos, he expressed his admiration but went on saying that it lacked the essence that could take its creator to heaven. The artist was also related to other figures of his time. He was definitely influenced by Praxiteles and probably met the artist in Asia Minor, while in Alexander’s court he met Lysippus. Protogenes was widely admired even outside artistic circles. Out of respect, Demetrius Poliorcetes6 visited him in his workshop so as not to interrupt his work. During his stay in Athens, Protogenes befriended Aristotle and painted a portrait of the philosopher’s mother. The Romans later appreciated the artistic value of his works and took a number of them to Rome. |