De Phaiaken dragen de slapende Odysseus naar Ithaka 1547 - 1570

Philips Galle created this engraving, “De Phaiaken dragen de slapende Odysseus naar Ithaka,” sometime in the late 16th century. Galle was a printmaker in Antwerp, a city that served as a major hub for the production and distribution of images at this time. This print depicts a scene from Homer's Odyssey, where the Phaeacians carry the sleeping Odysseus back to his home island of Ithaka. Galle's work reflects a broader cultural interest in classical literature and mythology during the Renaissance. The image is made in the Netherlands, a place known for its strong trade routes and its printing industry. This helped the Dutch to spread information and art. As a historian, understanding this artwork requires us to consider the interplay between artistic production, classical learning, and the socio-economic context of 16th-century Europe. Researching Galle's career and the cultural milieu of Antwerp would further illuminate the meanings and functions of this print.