Diogenes was probably born in 412 B.C. in the Greek colony of Sinope, on the Black Sea. After coming to Athens he adopted the philosophy of the Cynics and became the most famous philosopher of that school. He lived in accordance with the teaching of their belief that a man, in order to attain wisdom and virtue, must be independent of himself, of others, and of the acquisition of fortune. They further believed that it was necessary to give up all the pleasures of life which stand in the way of self mastery. According to that tradition he got rid of all his possessions except a cloak and purse and wooden bowl and lived in a tub or large earthenware jar.

Many legends have come down to us relating to his eccentricity. it is said that he walked the streets of Athens barefoot, wearing a long beard and carrying a stick. On occasion he was seen there carrying a lantern during daytime; his explanation being that he was searching for an honest man. The philosopher died in 323 B.C.

The original from which this terra cotta bust was fashioned was probably made in the century following Diogenes' death. It is an idealized but life-like portrayal of a wise and noble man.