Damocles Collection

The Sword of Damocles, 1610s. Creator: Francken, Frans, the Younger (1581-1642)
The Sword of Damocles, 1610s. Private Collection

The Sword of Damocles. Private Collection

Damocles dines with a sword hanging over his head
Damocles, member of the Greek court of Dionysius of Siragusa (Syracuse), Sicily, dines dangerously, with a sword hanging over his head. Date: 404 BC

The Sword of Damocles (L Epee de Damocles), 1842 (litho)
1071604 The Sword of Damocles (L Epee de DamoclAs), 1842 (litho) by Daumier, Honore (1808-79); 21.6x20.3 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; Foundation for the Arts

The banquet of Damocles (engraving)
653886 The banquet of Damocles (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The banquet of Damocles)

The Banquet of Damocles, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Banquet of Damocles, 1890. Damocles, 4th century BC courtier, swapped places for a day with King Dionysius II who arranged for a sword held by a single hair of a horses tail to hang above his

Damocles, 1867. Artist: Couture, Thomas (1815-1879)
Damocles, 1867. Found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

CARTOON: BOXER REBELLION. A Disturbing Possibility in the East. Cartoon showing Uncle Sam at a table with the eight-nation alliance

Damocles is made to sit at a banquet table under a sword which is hanging by a single hair to show the fragility of a kings fortune

Sword Damocles 1785-1807 Pen brown ink brush
Artokoloro

Sword Damocles verso Sketches Man Head Figure
Artokoloro

Damocles targeting pod mounted on a French Air Force Rafale fighter plane

DAMOCLES (4th CENTURY B. C. ). Greek courtier. Damocles observes the sword suspended above his head while attending a
DAMOCLES (4th CENTURY B.C.). Greek courtier. Damocles observes the sword suspended above his head while attending a banquet at the court of King Dionysius I of Syracuse

The modern sword of Damocles

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Damocles, the Greek courtier, found himself in a precarious situation as he dined with a sword hanging ominously over his head. This iconic image of "The Sword of Damocles" has been depicted in various forms throughout history, from lithographs to engravings and even cartoons. One such engraving titled "The Banquet of Damocles" captures the essence of this legendary tale. It portrays Damocles seated at a banquet table under a sword suspended by a single hair, symbolizing the fragility of a king's fortune. The story goes that when Damocles boasted about his ruler's happiness and riches, Dionysius invited him to experience it firsthand. In 1842, an artist named L Epee de Damocles created a lithograph depicting this scene with intricate detail. Similarly, Thomas Couture's painting from 1867 showcases the tension felt by Damocles as he gazes up at the looming threat above him. This cautionary tale resonates beyond art and literature; it serves as a reminder that fortunes can change swiftly for those in power. A cartoon titled "A Disturbing Possibility in the East, " alludes to this notion during the Boxer Rebellion era. Even centuries later, we see references to Damocles' sword in modern contexts like military technology. The targeting pod mounted on French Air Force Rafale fighter planes bears its name - DAMOCLES - highlighting how vulnerability persists even amidst advanced weaponry. Through these depictions and adaptations over time, we are reminded that no matter one's status or position, life is fragile and unpredictable. Just like the hair holding up that menacing sword above Damocles' head – our own circumstances can change abruptly if we become complacent or boastful about our successes. Thus, let us reflect upon this ancient tale whenever we find ourselves tempted to exaggerate our own fortunes or take them for granted.