In Cicero In Verrem, II, iv, 4,

unum Cupidinis marmoreum Praxiteli; nimirum didici etiam, dum in istum inquiro, artificum nomina. idem, opinor, artifex eiusdem modi Cupidinem fecit illum qui est Thespiis...

“Had to learn even the names of these artisans,” “I believe, the same chap who carved the Thespian Cupid.” Forsooth, nimirum didici Praxiteli et al. nomina. Aw, c'mon, Marc!

Seriously, why does Greek-educated Cicero pretends to have learned of Praxiteles' name only during his inquest? It couldn't possibly be a true statement! He admires the beauty of the art in the house of C. Heius, and at the same sneers at the artists (but then, still mentions Praxiteles by name).

I think I am seriously missing certain subtleties of this (extended) passage.

In Cicero In Verrem, II, iv, 4,

unum Cupidinis marmoreum Praxiteli; nimirum didici etiam, dum in istum inquiro, artificum nomina. idem, opinor, artifex eiusdem modi Cupidinem fecit illum qui est Thespiis...

“Had to learn even the names of these artisans,” “I believe, the same chap who carved the Thespian Cupid.” Forsooth, nimirum didici Praxiteli et al. nomina. Aw, c'mon, Marc!

Seriously, why does Greek-educated Cicero pretend to have learned of Praxiteles' name only during his inquest? It couldn't possibly be a true statement! He admires the beauty of the art in the house of C. Heius, and at the same sneers at the artists (but then, still mentions Praxiteles by name).

I think I am seriously missing certain subtleties of this (extended) passage.

In Cicero In Verrem, II, iv, 4,

unum Cupidinis marmoreum Praxiteli; nimirum didici etiam, dum in istum inquiro, artificum nomina. idem, opinor, artifex eiusdem modi Cupidinem fecit illum qui est Thespiis...

“Had to learn even the names of these artisans,” “I believe, the same chap who carved the Thespian Cupid.” Forsooth, nimirum didici Praxiteli et. al. nomina. Aw, c'mon, Marc!

Seriously, why does Greek-educated Cicero pretends to have learned of Praxiteles' name only during his inquest? It couldn't possibly be a true statement! He admires the beauty of the art in the house of C. Heius, and at the same sneers at the artists (but then, still mentions Praxiteles by name).

I think I am seriously missing certain subtleties of this (extended) passage.

In Cicero In Verrem, II, iv, 4,

unum Cupidinis marmoreum Praxiteli; nimirum didici etiam, dum in istum inquiro, artificum nomina. idem, opinor, artifex eiusdem modi Cupidinem fecit illum qui est Thespiis...

“Had to learn even the names of these artisans,” “I believe, the same chap who carved the Thespian Cupid.” Forsooth, nimirum didici Praxiteli et al. nomina. Aw, c'mon, Marc!

Seriously, why does Greek-educated Cicero pretends to have learned of Praxiteles' name only during his inquest? It couldn't possibly be a true statement! He admires the beauty of the art in the house of C. Heius, and at the same sneers at the artists (but then, still mentions Praxiteles by name).

I think I am seriously missing certain subtleties of this (extended) passage.