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The philosopher Diogenes stands in the middle of a crowd and holds up a lantern. This is how he appeared in the market place of Athens in broad daylight. The anecdote, which originated in classical times, was widely represented in Dutch art. Asked what he was doing, Diogenes said he was looking for a man. But there are people all around, the bystanders remarked, to which he replied: 'I see not one, for there is no reason in your hearts. You may be men in name, but your brutish lives betray you as animals in reality'.
Everdingen staged the classical story as a contemporary scene on a typical Dutch town square with portraits of contemporaries.
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