Odysseus arriveert bij de onderwereld 1632 - 1633

Theodoor van Thulden created this print, "Odysseus Arrives at the Underworld," in the 17th century. Van Thulden, a Flemish artist, was working during the Baroque period, a time marked by grand, theatrical gestures. Here, we see Odysseus and his crew navigating the treacherous waters to the underworld, a journey fraught with peril and steeped in ancient Greek mythology. The scene is alive with masculine energy. The muscular figures strain and struggle against the waves. In Van Thulden's time, there was a societal expectation for men to embody strength and bravery, characteristics clearly on display in this depiction. The intensity of the moment is palpable. We sense the emotional weight of Odysseus's quest, his determination to confront the unknown and return home. This print serves as a reflection of the values and beliefs of its time, inviting us to consider how we grapple with our own journeys.