Antonio Canova
Thales of Miletus, the famous Ancient Greek scientist, loved nature and astronomy and would explore the sky for nights on end. He was able to classify many constellations. He could read the passing of time, foresee the rainy days and the warm seasons, was able to determine the quantity of a harvest before the plants were in flower, and gave generals advice to avoid falling into the traps placed by their enemies and tackle the adversities in the long marches. He travelled greatly. When he returned to Miletus, Thales organized the information he had learned and with many complicated calculations on the changing of the planets was able to foresee the eclipse of the sun on May 28, 585 B.C. Nobody in the city believed him when he made his forecast months early but when the sun began to disappear on the morning of May 28 the people, surprised and unbelieving, considered him a real “philosopher” (a lover of Science). Since then he has been considered one of the seven wise men of humanity and the “priest” of Urania, the goddess of astronomy.
Here Antonio Canova, who was mostly a sculptor (and we may understand why he didn't continue his career with painting) depicted the metaphoric scene, when Urania tells him the secrets. I love his surprised face here. :)
P.S. If you want to know why Canova was considered the greatest sculptor of his time, see our article: Antonio Canova – The Minister of Beauty.
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