Polyphemus is taunted by Odysseus and advances to attack his ships. Etching after J.M.W. Turner.

  • Turner, J. M. W. (Joseph Mallord William), 1775-1851.
Date:
1800-1899
Reference:
2856160i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

In the Odyssey, Polyphemus was the son of the god Poseidon, and one of the race of cyclopes, giant one-eyed shepherds who inhabited an island later identified as Sicily. When Odysseus (Ulysses) and twelve of his men made landfall there, they entered Polyphemus's cave and were captured by the giant who ate two of the men. The next morning he devoured two more, and another two for his evening meal. He asked Odysseus his name and was answered, "Noman". Odysseus gave the giant strong wine to drink; and when the giant fell asleep they put out his eye with a sharpened stake. Upon leaving, he shouted to Polyphemus that it was Odysseus who had blinded him. Polyphemus then throw boulders at the ship

Publication/Creation

1800-1899

Physical description

1 print : etching, en chine ; image 34.3 x 51 cm, platemark 43 x 58.7 cm

Lettering

Bears blind stamp on the mount: Publishers Association

Edition

[State with a remarque etching of the head of Homer in the lower margin].

Creator/production credits

Authorship of the etching undetermined. There is an etching of the composition by Edward Goodall, but apparently of different dimensions. The impression catalogued is indistinctly signed in pencil, lower right, apparently by the etcher, possibly "A. Mariez" or similar

Reference

Wellcome Collection 2856160i

Reproduction note

After: a painting exhibited in 1829 and subsequently in the National Gallery, London

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

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