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Why the Critics Were Ruffled by this Victorian Masterpiece
Exploring the meaning of “Ulysses and the Sirens” by John William Waterhouse
John William Waterhouse’s compelling painting shows a ship passing through a treacherous strait of shadowy blue water.
Surrounded by flying creatures known as Sirens, the ship’s crew labour at their oars. In the far distance, sunlight clips the top of the mountain, promising salvation if only they can make it that far.
The painting’s inspiration comes from the epic story of the hero Ulysses (also known as Odysseus) who embarked on a perilous journey home to the island of Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War. One of his most famous encounters was with the Sirens, as recounted in book 12 of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey.
Yet, despite its grand scale and highly-charged subject matter, the painting caused controversy among the critics for its provocative depiction of the Sirens.
The Sirens’ Song
In the scene the ship is being rowed by a dozen men, whose oars reach the water through lion-mouth holes in the galley’s sides. Notice how each of the men’s heads are wrapped in colourful bandages — this is to protect them from the alluring calls of the half-woman, half-bird creatures that…
