Odysseus and Circe 1585

Bartholomeus Spranger painted "Odysseus and Circe" sometime before his death in 1611, and the artwork now resides in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The painting illustrates a scene from Homer's Odyssey. In it, the hero Odysseus encounters the goddess Circe, who has the power to transform men into animals. Here, Spranger captures the moment when Circe attempts to use her magic wand on Odysseus, but he is protected by the herb moly, given to him by Hermes. Spranger's work reflects the Mannerist style, emphasizing elegance and drama. But what might it mean to depict a powerful woman like Circe in this way? In the 16th century, portrayals of women were often shaped by patriarchal views. Circe, with her overt sensuality, challenges traditional notions of femininity. The painting offers an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of gender, power, and representation. Spranger invites us to consider the stories we tell about ourselves and the world, and how those stories shape our understanding of identity and experience.