Who painted Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso?

Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso was painted by Willem Basse in 1634.

Where can I see Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso?

Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso?

Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso?

Museum-quality prints of Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso

Willem Basse , 1634

Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso is an ink print by the Baroque artist Willem Basse. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: 5.-

About this work

Overview

Willem Basse’s print, titled Ulysses on the Island of the Goddess Calypso, was produced in 1634. Executed as an etching and engraving on laid paper, the work presents a narrative scene from classical mythology rendered in the detailed manner typical of early‑17th‑century Dutch printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows a nude male figure, identified as the hero Ulysses, standing on a shore and grasping an axe. To his right, two seated women, one likely representing the nymph Calypso, observe him. A small vessel and a distant landscape complete the setting, suggesting the moment when the wanderer encounters the enchantress on her island.

Technique & Style

Basse combines etching’s fine line work with the deeper incisions of engraving, creating a range of tonal values. The careful modulation of light and shadow gives the figures three‑dimensional volume, while the crisp rendering of textures reflects the Baroque interest in realism and dramatic effect.

History & Provenance

The print was issued in the Netherlands during a period when mythological subjects were popular among collectors. No specific ownership record precedes its appearance in 17th‑century catalogues, and it now resides in several public print collections that specialize in Baroque-era graphic art.

Context

In the early 1630s, Dutch artists frequently turned to classical literature for inspiration, adapting stories from Homer and Ovid for a learned audience. Basse’s choice of the Calypso episode aligns with contemporary tastes for scenes that combine narrative intrigue with opportunities for expressive human anatomy.