EPISODE SIXTEEN: STORYTIME
ODYSSEUS AT THE COURT OF ALCINOUS
Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
1814
Hayez was a leading painting of the Romantic movement in Italy. He favored large, sweeping historical scenes, including episodes from classical mythology. This is a study for the final painting, now in the Museo nazionale di Capodimonte
ROMANTIC RHAPSODES
The notion of Homer as the the blind bard was frequently portrayed by Romantic painters in the 19th century. Their images are typically heavy on sentiment, while less concerned with historical accuracy.
Today, many scholars challenge the idea of Homer as an historical figure.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
All of the athletic “trials” Odysseus observes and participates in were an important part of daily life in ancient Greece. There are thousands of artifacts depicting athletics in the ancient world. Here are few.