Alexander mit seinem Gefolge vor Diogenes 

Friedrich Wilhelm Schäfer made this drawing, Alexander mit seinem Gefolge vor Diogenes, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It depicts Alexander the Great and his retinue encountering Diogenes, the famous Cynic philosopher. The story goes that Alexander, struck by Diogenes's simple existence, offered to grant him any wish. Diogenes, unimpressed, simply asked Alexander to step aside, as he was blocking the sunlight. This encounter became emblematic of the Cynic philosophy, which valued virtue and self-sufficiency over wealth and power. Schäfer’s decision to illustrate this moment taps into the cultural fascination with the figure of Alexander, often used to negotiate ideas about leadership and moral integrity. This drawing invites us to consider how historical figures are used to reflect on the values and aspirations of different eras. It encourages reflection on what it means to lead a virtuous life.