Illustration to Odyssey 1793

John Flaxman created this illustration for Homer's Odyssey during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period when the aesthetic and philosophical ideals of antiquity were being revived. Flaxman’s neoclassical style emphasizes simplicity and clarity, echoing the presumed purity of ancient Greek art. But the narratives of the Odyssey, like many ancient tales, are deeply entwined with gender roles and power dynamics. We see men engaged in epic journeys and heroic feats, while women often occupy domestic roles, their influence exerted through cunning or beauty. The artist seems to maintain these traditional representations of women. But let's consider the emotional landscape—the longing, the patience, and the quiet strength embodied by characters like Penelope, awaiting Odysseus’ return. The artist’s work invites us to reflect on the stories we inherit and the values they transmit, and perhaps to find new ways of reading and reimagining these ancient narratives.