Detail from "Heraclitus"
by Hendrick ter Brugghen (1588-1629), c. 1628 - Rijks Museum, Amsterdam, The
Neederlans.
Painters portray pessimism as Heraclitus who felt pity for humanity because
he knew that implicitly in life "all is in flux". The foolish citizens of
Athens, stoned Heraclitus for his views. (See
Heraclitus by Rubens)
For contrast, painters portrayed the "laughing" philosopher Democritus of
Abdera (460-370 BC). (see Democritus by Rubens and
Brugghen).