Aristotle and Phyllis

The power of women over men was a popular theme during the German Renaissance and is here explored through the story of Aristotle and Phyllis. Aristotle was court philosopher to Alexander the Great and Phyllis was Alexander’s wife (or favourite courtesan).

Aristotle regarded Phyllis as a distraction to Alexander’s leadership responsibilities, advising him to spend less time with her. When Phyllis became aware of this, she sought revenge. Employing her charm and beauty to awaken Aristotle’s lustful desire, she used this as leverage to dupe him into giving her a piggyback ride around the garden. By belittling Aristotle in this way, Phyllis proved that great learning was no match for the intuitive wisdom and beguiling power of women. In this engraving, a smitten Aristotle is almost hidden beneath the bulk of Phyllis’s long skirt, so reinforcing his subservient status.

Known only by the initials inscribed in the engraving plate, Master MZ created some twenty-two distinctive engravings, many of which reveal the influence of the early works of Albrecht Dürer.

Julie Robinson, Senior Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs