Odysseus en de sirenen 1632 - 1633

Theodoor van Thulden created this print, “Odysseus and the Sirens”, in the 17th century. It illustrates a well-known episode from Homer’s Odyssey. Van Thulden worked in Antwerp, in the Spanish Netherlands, and his artistic output was strongly influenced by Peter Paul Rubens. This print shows Odysseus, lashed to the mast of his ship, as he passes the island of the Sirens. His men, ears plugged with wax, row furiously, immune to the Sirens’ deadly song. The image speaks to the importance of classical learning in the 17th century. Artists were expected to be familiar with classical literature and mythology, and to be able to translate these stories into visual form. The print also highlights the role of the artist as a storyteller and interpreter of culture. To better understand this print, we can consult a variety of resources, including classical texts, art historical scholarship, and studies of 17th-century culture. By examining these sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the social and cultural context in which this print was created.