Ulysses Conversing with Eumaeus 1805

Editor: This is John Flaxman’s, Ulysses Conversing with Eumaeus. The line work is so simple, yet the figures convey such emotion. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Flaxman's neoclassical style often romanticizes antiquity. But look closer. Is it just a classical scene, or is it also about class? Ulysses, the king, is disguised as a beggar, while Eumaeus, the swineherd, shows him hospitality. This subverts the traditional hierarchy. Editor: So, you’re saying it’s not just about the story of Ulysses, but also about the social commentary inherent in that meeting? Curator: Precisely. How power operates, and who gets to tell the story, are always relevant questions. Editor: I hadn't considered the social dynamics so deeply. Thanks!