INSPIRATION - Odysseus at the Mast

Often times the desire to paint a particular subject comes upon us in unexpected ways. An image you might have seen before, takes on a new significance upon viewing it again. Such an instance happened to me as I came across both of these ancient images recently depicting the famous scene from Homer's The Odyssey. They inspired me to create my own version soon after. 

Roman mosaic, 2nd-4th century AD

Attic red-figure stamens, ca. 480-470 BC

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With my own painting, I strove to capture the maddening, aching struggle of the hero as he wrestles with his bonds and the insurmountable allure of the Sirens' song.

Odysseus at the mast, latex paint on canvas, 36 x 72", 2020