The Sorrow of Telemachus 1783

"The Sorrow of Telemachus" is a painting by Angelica Kauffmann from 1783, which depicts a scene from Homer's Odyssey. Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, is shown seated at a table with his head in his hands, surrounded by figures from Greek mythology. The scene evokes a sense of sadness and longing for Telemachus, who is grieving the absence of his father. Kauffmann was a leading Neoclassical artist and her work is often characterized by its refined elegance and attention to detail. Kauffmann's work draws heavily on the themes of classical mythology, appealing to a wide audience with its historical and literary references.