Odysseus op het eiland van de Feniciërs 19th century

Achille Parboni created this print, "Odysseus on the Island of the Phoenicians," using etching techniques. This artwork draws from Homer’s "Odyssey," a foundational text in Western literature that has shaped European identity and artistic expression for centuries. Parboni invites us into a scene of encounter and potential hospitality. Odysseus arrives on the shores of the Phaeacians, a people known for their seafaring prowess and refined culture, after facing countless trials. The meeting between Odysseus and Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous, is a pivotal moment, setting in motion the events that will eventually lead to Odysseus's return home. This image reflects the cultural values of its time. The depiction of classical narratives served to legitimize contemporary social structures. Yet, it also carries within it questions of power, gender, and the complexities of intercultural exchange. It reminds us that even in stories of heroes and gods, the human capacity for compassion—or the lack thereof—often determines the course of history.