In artwork across the ages, Odysseus’ myth keeps entrancing audiences

The release of Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey has reignited global interest in the ancient tale of King Odysseus, whose legendary 10-year voyage home to Ithaca following the Trojan War continues to captivate audiences across centuries. The renewed attention has brought renewed focus to the rich artistic legacy surrounding the epic, with museums across the United States showcasing a wide array of historical works inspired by the story. From ancient Greek pottery to 19th-century paintings, these artifacts reflect the enduring power of Odysseus' narrative and its ability to resonate with different cultures and eras. Odysseus, often regarded as the quintessential hero of Greek mythology, stands apart from other figures in the Homeric epics due to his human-like qualities. Unlike demigods such as Achilles or Heracles, he does not possess supernatural abilities. Instead, his intelligence, cunning, and resilience define his character, making him relatable to generations of readers and viewers. This aspect of his persona has contributed significantly to the story's longevity, according to Joel Christensen, a classics professor at the City University of New York. “He’s not the son of gods; he’s not the son of a goddess,” Christensen explained. “He doesn’t have special powers, he’s just really smart.” His journey, filled with trials and tribulations, mirrors the struggles of ordinary individuals navigating complex and unpredictable worlds. The influence of The Odyssey extends far beyond literature into visual culture, appearing in diverse forms throughout history. Kenneth Lapatin, curator of antiquities at the J. Paul Getty Museum, noted that the story has been represented in numerous media, including vases, silverware, wall paintings, gems, and sculptures. These artifacts offer insight into the values and beliefs of the societies that created them. “The story of The Odyssey is like a palimpsest manuscript,” Christensen remarked. “It keeps getting written and overwritten again, but you can see underneath the other stories.” Each reinterpretation adds new layers to the narrative, reflecting the evolving cultural context in which it was created. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, two fifth-century B.C. Greek terra-cotta plaques stand out for their intricate depiction of key moments in Odysseus’ return to Ithaca. One shows an old nursemaid named Eurycleia washing the feet of Odysseus, who has returned in disguise. According to Seán Hemingway, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Met, the scene captures a pivotal moment of recognition. “If her face were preserved, the fragment is missing, we would see her looking at him in this moment of recognition,” he said. The emotional weight of this encounter underscores the significance of familial bonds in ancient Greek society. A second plaque portrays Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, approaching his wife, Penelope, who has remained faithful during his absence. Hemingway described Penelope as “desolate but resolute,” emphasizing the strength of her character and the emotional stakes of their reunion. Such depictions highlight the universal themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the longing for home that continue to resonate with modern audiences. Meanwhile, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston houses a collection of artifacts that span multiple periods and styles, including two ancient Greek wine jars and a painting by 19th-century Swiss artist Arnold Böcklin. One of the jars depicts Odysseus encountering Elpenor, a deceased crew member, in the underworld. Phoebe Segal, a senior curator of Greek and Roman art, noted the emotional impact of this scene. “Elpenor’s plaintive expression, beautifully drawn in three-quarter view, pulls at Odysseus’ heartstrings by forcing him, and the vase’s intended audience, to remember and to honor all those left behind,” she said. Another jar illustrates Odysseus’ famous escape from Polyphemus’ cave while clinging to a ram. Segal called this episode “perhaps the most vivid, thrilling” and praised its portrayal of Odysseus’ ingenuity. Wine jars, or pelikai, were commonly used during drinking parties, serving as vessels for both beverages and storytelling. Images from the Odyssey often sparked poetic recitations and philosophical debates, reinforcing the poem’s role as a cultural touchstone. The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles also features several objects related to the epic, including a two-handled cup and a lamp from ancient Rome. These items provide further evidence of how the story was integrated into daily life and artistic expression, ensuring its place in the collective memory of civilizations past and present.