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Richard Gibbons
Diogenes, Semi-Nude Portrait of Greek Philosopher, Oil on Panel, Framed

2026

$2,800
£2,117.06
€2,478.62
CA$3,983.71
A$4,052.16
CHF 2,325.52
MX$48,711.66
NOK 27,127.14
SEK 27,382.52
DKK 18,529.96

About the Item

Diogenes is a masterfully executed oil painting that reinterprets the legendary Greek philosopher through an elegant fusion of classical idealism and poetic symbolism. Seated in contemplative repose, the monumental figure is crowned with vibrant roses and encircled by a luminous crimson halo, evoking both earthly beauty and transcendent wisdom. His upward gaze suggests a profound engagement with the philosophical pursuit of truth, while the exquisitely rendered musculature and luminous flesh tones pay homage to the traditions of Renaissance and Academic painting. The juxtaposition of physical strength with the delicate floral crown creates a compelling meditation on the dualities of human existence—power and vulnerability, intellect and beauty, mortality and transcendence. Rich chiaroscuro and a restrained palette heighten the painting's timeless atmosphere, inviting viewers to reflect upon Diogenes' enduring legacy of virtue, simplicity, and uncompromising devotion to truth. Richard Gibbons Diogenes oil on panel 20h x 16w in 40.64h x 30.48w cm RAG117 Richard Gibbons b. 1950, Toledo, OH Richard Gibbons (born 1950, Toledo, Ohio) is an American architect and painter whose creative career bridges architectural design and fine art. He is best known for founding the Chicago-based design firm Gibbons, Fortman & Associates and for his richly expressive figurative and abstract paintings exhibited internationally. Early Life & Education Richard Gibbons was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1950. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. During his university years he received an Archaeological Study Grant to the American Academy in Rome, where he pursued architectural and classical studies. After returning to the United States and establishing his architectural practice, Gibbons also studied painting, taking night classes at the Art Institute of Chicago that focused on Renaissance painting techniques — a formative experience that deepened his commitment to fine art. Architectural Career Gibbons is the founder and principal design architect of Gibbons, Fortman & Associates, a firm that has worked on projects in major U.S. cities including Chicago, New York, Atlanta, and Johannesburg. His architectural work reflects a custom, detail-oriented approach to design, blending classical sensibilities with contemporary needs. Artistic Practice Alongside architecture, Gibbons developed a significant painting career. His work spans abstract, figurative, and narrative styles, with a particular attention to the human body and classical motifs. His practice often synthesizes classical influence with contemporary themes, producing theatrical, dynamic compositions that reflect both his architectural training and his experience with humanist subjects. Gibbons’s paintings have been shown widely, including in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Berlin, and have been featured in solo exhibitions as well as group shows. Notable series include the ICONS exhibition, which presented figure paintings, landscapes, cityscapes, and architectural models. Exhibitions & Recognition Over the years, Gibbons’s work has appeared in numerous exhibitions: The Figure in American Art, Eleanor Ettinger Gallery, New York Heads + Bodies, Roy Boyd Gallery, Chicago Paintings, DNFA Gallery, Pasadena, CA Galerie Beckel Odille Boicos, Paris Gallery VICTOR exhibitions in Chicago, Palm Springs and Art Center Highland Park, IL His works have also appeared at auction and are part of private collections. Style & Themes Gibbons’s painting integrates a classically informed figurative approach with contemporary sensibilities. His work often depicts the human figure with a sculptural, expressive intensity, while his architectural experiences inform his cityscape and structural compositions. His thematic interests range from mythological and religious imagery to explorations of form and narrative in modern contexts. Current Work Gibbons continues to live and work in Chicago, Illinois, where he remains active in both architectural design and painting. His recent series explores modern saints and ancient myths, underscoring his ongoing engagement with symbolic and humanistic subject matter. 1972–1973 American Academy in Rome Archaeological Study Grant 1973 B.S. in Architecture, University of Notre Dame Exhibitions 2024 Evoke Provoke – Persons of Interest, Gallery Victor, Chicago, IL 2023 Intersect Palm Spring, Gallery Victor, Palm Springs, CA 2021 Wet Paint, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago 2019 Wrap It Up, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2018 "Wrap It Up", Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2017 "Wrap It Up", Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2004 "The Figure in American Art," Eleanor Ettinger Gallery, NY (One Person) 2003 "Heads+Bodies," Roy Boyd Gallery, Chicago (One Person) 2002 "Paintings," DNFA Gallery, Pasadena, CA 2002 "NUS," Galerie Beckel Odille Boicos, Paris, France 2001 Roy Boyd Gallery (One Person) 2000 "Bodyscapes," Roy Boyd Gallery (One Person) 1998 "Around The Coyote," (One Person) 1994 "Chicago Villa Exhibition," The Chicago Athenaeum 1993 "New Chicago Furniture," The Chicago Athenaeum 1992 "Real Furniture/Fake Furniture," The Chicago Athenaeum 1987 "The Chicago Crafts Movement," M&M Club, Topeka Kansas and Merchandise Mart, Chicago 1987 "Compact/Portable Design: New Interior Objects by 16 East Coast Artists," Gallery 91, NY 1986 "Art - Research," Skokie Public Library, Skokie, IL 1986 "Architectural Images in Art," Fay Gold Gallery, Atlanta, GA 1985 "Form/Function," Chicago Artists and Architects/Contemporary Structures, Columbia College Art Gallery, Chicago 1984 "Eroded Furniture," Roy Boyd Gallery, Chicago (One Person)
  • Creator:
    Richard Gibbons (1950, American)
  • Creation Year:
    2026
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: RAG1171stDibs: LU554318313322

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