Six Epic Artworks Inspired by “The Odyssey”
From J.M.W Turner to Romare Bearden, visual artists have long turned to Homer’s masterpiece and the power of myth as sources of inspiration.
The Odyssey, Homer's epic poem, has captivated artists for nearly 30 centuries. From ancient terracotta depictions of Odysseus and his nurse Eurykleia to contemporary inflatable sculptures, the poem's themes continue to inspire artistic interpretations. Among these works are six notable masterpieces that bring the ancient tale into dialogue with various cultural histories and mythologies.
J.M.W. Turner's 1829 painting, "Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus," captures the moment when Odysseus defeats the Cyclops. Known for his unconventional techniques, Turner used a hazy style to depict the pivotal scene, where Odysseus boasts a red banner and sea creatures celebrate at the ship's prow. The painting, now housed at the National Gallery in London, is considered Turner's central work and a prized possession for over a century.
Romare Bearden's A Black Odyssey series (1977) reimagines the epic through an African-American lens. Comprising 20 collages, the series explores themes of dislocation, mourning, and an insatiable longing for home. Bearden's crisp cutouts and linework portray Odysseus being rescued by the goddess Ino from a watery death, centering Black subjects in his rendition of the tale. The series was part of a Smithsonian touring exhibition from 2012 to 2015, reflecting Bearden's former home in Harlem.
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