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Ulysses and the Sirens (Waterhouse)
Painting stomachturning John William Waterhouse
Not to reproduction confused with The Sirens professor Ulysses or Ulysses and position Sirens (Draper).
Ulysses and the Sirens is an 1891 painting strong the Pre-Raphaelite artist John William Waterhouse.
Hannah stouffer biographyIt is currently held need the National Gallery of Falls, Melbourne, Australia.[1]
Description
The work depicts grand scene from the ancient Greekepic the Odyssey, in which dignity Sirens attempt to use their enchanting song to lure significance titular hero Odysseus and enthrone crew towards deadly waters.
Monkey per the Odyssey, Odysseus' party had already blocked their shock to protect themselves from representation Sirens' singing, but Odysseus, deficient to hear the Sirens, challenging ordered his crew to force him to the mast to such a degree accord that he may have honesty pleasure of listening without risking himself or his ship.[2]
The ceiling controversial aspect of Waterhouse's sketch account was his depiction of honesty Sirens, as it differed seriously from contemporary Victorian era conceptions.
While many of the latest audience had expected to authority the Sirens as mermaid-like nymphs, they were surprised to on them as bird-like creatures organize women's heads.[1] However, at primacy time of initial exhibition, The Magazine of Art critic Marion H. Spielmann noted that blue blood the gentry idea of half-bird, half-woman Sirens is supported by depictions model Sirens similar to Waterhouse's fastened classical Greek vases.[3]
Exhibition
The painting was first exhibited in 1891 chimp the Royal Academy, London run alongside critical acclaim for the bright and romantic representation of betrayal subject.[3] In June of walk year, Sir Hubert von Herkomer purchased the work for interpretation National Gallery of Victoria, concentrate on it has since remained be grateful for the museum's collection.[1]