Circe and the Companions of Ulysses 1531 - 1590

Giulio Bonasone created the engraving, Circe and the Companions of Ulysses, in the 16th century. This print captures a scene from Homer's Odyssey, where the sorceress Circe transforms Odysseus's crew into animals. Bonasone, working in a patriarchal society, engages with the myth of Circe, a powerful female figure who challenges male dominance. The image can be viewed as a commentary on gender roles and the perceived threat of female power. Circe's act of transforming men into animals could be interpreted as a metaphor for the ways in which women were seen to subvert the natural order. The emotional depth of this piece lies in its representation of power dynamics and the anxieties surrounding gender roles. Bonasone's engraving provides a lens through which to examine the historical context of gender inequality, inviting us to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality and empowerment.