Circe and the Companions of Ulysses 1500 - 1600

This drawing depicts Circe offering a potion to Ulysses’ men, transforming them into animals. The scene is steeped in symbolism, particularly evident in the figure of Circe herself, who embodies the archetype of the dangerous, seductive sorceress. Consider the motif of transformation, a recurring theme throughout history, from ancient myths to Ovid's Metamorphoses. This motif speaks to the human fascination with change, power, and the loss of identity. Here, the metamorphosis is a symbol of the loss of reason and control. The companions of Ulysses are reduced to beasts. The cup, offered by Circe, is not merely a vessel, but a symbol of temptation, carrying with it a potent mix of allure and peril. Images of metamorphosis speak to the instability of the human condition. We are constantly shifting and changing both physically and psychologically. This drawing, therefore, isn't just a depiction of a mythological tale, but a reflection of our deepest fears and desires about change, power, and the very nature of our being.