Periander Corinthius, from Seven Wise Men of Greece

Art Historical Context

Behold the portrait of *Periander Corinthius*, of Jacques de Gheyn III's etchings from his 1616 series *Seven Wise Men Greece*. De Gheyn, a prominent Dutch artist of the early 17th century, captures the legendary tyrant-ruler of Corinth (c. 625–585 BCE), famed as one of antiquity's Seven Sages for his pragmatic wisdom, including the maxim "Nothing in excess." This work reflects the Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity, blending moral philosophy with portraiture during the Dutch Golden Age's printmaking boom. Rendered as an etching on delicate ivory laid paper (29.7 × 19.1 cm), the piece showcases de Gheyn's mastery of the medium. Etching allowed for intricate lines and subtle tones, ideal for conveying the sage's contemplative gaze and draped robes, evoking both gravitas and humanism. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Department, it exemplifies how prints democratized access to erudite subjects, bridging ancient lore with early modern audiences. This intimate etching invites visitors to ponder Periander's complex legacy—a wise lawgiver amid tyranny—while appreciating de Gheyn's technical finesse in preserving such timeless figures.