Who painted Ulysses and Circe?

Ulysses and Circe was painted by Unknown in 1640.

Where can I see Ulysses and Circe?

Ulysses and Circe is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Ulysses and Circe

Ulysses and Circe is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1640, the work titled Ulysses and Circe is attributed to the artist identified as 831_person. The piece is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is presented as a monochrome image. It depicts a domestic interior scene in which a woman and a man occupy a central table, surrounded by additional figures and architectural elements.

Subject & Meaning

The central figures appear to reference the mythological encounter between Odysseus (Ulysses) and the sorceress Circe, though the composition emphasizes a more intimate, everyday setting rather than a dramatic narrative moment. The woman's forward-leaning posture and the man's seated position suggest a dialogue or exchange, while the surrounding participants and objects hint at a communal or ritual context.

Technique & Style

Rendered in black and white, the image relies on tonal contrast to model forms and suggest depth. Linear perspective is indicated by the receding columns and building backdrop, creating a sense of space. The figures are outlined with clear contours, and the inclusion of floral arrangements on the table adds decorative detail within the restrained palette.

History & Provenance

The artwork dates to the mid‑17th century, a period when European artists frequently revisited classical themes. Its attribution to the otherwise obscure 831_person reflects limited documentary evidence, and the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through an acquisition whose precise details remain unrecorded in public sources.