Circe and the Companions of Ulysses 1540s

Giulio Bonasone’s engraving “Circe and the Companions of Ulysses” (1540s) depicts the sorceress Circe transforming Odysseus’s men into swine. This scene from Homer's Odyssey is set in a roundel, showcasing the dramatic moment as Circe points a wand towards the men who are becoming pigs in the foreground. The chiaroscuro technique used to create the illusion of depth adds to the dramatic effect. The engraving is part of a series based on Homer’s epic poem and is considered a fine example of 16th century printmaking.