Ulysses and the Sirens, J. W. WATERHOUSE

J. W. WATERHOUSE
English 1849–1917
Ulysses and the Sirens 1891
oil on canvas
100.6 x 202.0 cm
Purchased 1891
p.396.3-1

The fascination with the ancient world during the Victorian age is exemplified in paintings such as Ulysses and the Sirens.

Not only is the subject matter drawn from Homer's inspiring tale of Ulysses' adventures, but Waterhouse has painstakingly included certain details which can only have come from the study and knowledge of ancient history and of objects found in archaeological digs and brought to London. The facial characteristics of Homer and his men, their costume, particularly their helmets, and the details of the boat were inspired by ancient imagery.

When this work was first exhibited it was noted by a critic that Waterhouse was unique and radical in his depiction of the Sirens as bird figures, a motif he could only have seen on an ancient Greek red figure vase by the Siren Painter in the British Museum.

List other works from the Master's Eye exhibition


J. W. WATERHOUSE English 1849–1917 Ulysses and the Sirens 1891 oil on canvas 100.6 x 202.0 cm Purchased 1891 p.396.3-1		The fascination with the ancient world during the Victorian age is exemplified in paintings such as Ulysses and the Sirens. Not only is the subject matter drawn from Homer's inspiring tale of Ulysses' adventures, but Waterhouse has painstakingly included certain details which can only have come from the study and knowledge of ancient history and of objects found in archaeological digs and brought to London. The facial characteristics of Homer and his men, their costume, particularly their helmets, and the details of the boat were inspired by ancient imagery. When this work was first exhibited it was noted by a critic that Waterhouse was unique and radical in his depiction of the Sirens as bird figures, a motif he could only have seen on an ancient Greek red figure vase by the Siren Painter in the British Museum.
		List other works from the Master's Eye exhibition