Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus: A Framed 19th C. Engraving After J. M. W. Turner, 1859

Description

This beautiful 19th century framed hand-colored engraving/etching entitled "Ullyses Deriding Polyphemus" by Edward Goodall is based on an original 1829 … more This beautiful 19th century framed hand-colored engraving/etching entitled "Ullyses Deriding Polyphemus" by Edward Goodall is based on an original 1829 painting by the renowned British artist J.M.W. Turner. It was published by James S. Virtue & Co. in London between 1859-1875. It depicts a dramatic scene from Greek mythology, specifically from Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey." In the story, the hero Ulysses (or Odysseus) and his men find themselves trapped inside the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus, who is known for having only one eye. Ulysses, in an attempt to save his crew, devises a plan to blind the Cyclops and escape. He does so by offering the Cyclops wine and, when he is inebriated, driving a burning stake into his single eye. Turner's engraving captures the climactic moment of the story, as Ulysses and his companions are shown sailing away from the cave in a small boat. Ulysses, depicted as a tiny figure on the boat, can be seen raising a cup in a mocking gesture towards the enraged Polyphemus, who stands on the shore, raising his arms in frustration and pain. The scene is set against a tumultuous seascape, with dark and swirling waves and a stormy sky, adding to the dramatic intensity of the composition.
"Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus" exemplifies Turner's ability to capture the power of nature and the human drama within his artworks. It showcases his skillful use of light, shadow, and atmospheric effects to create a sense of awe-inspiring beauty and emotional intensity. The engraving remains an important example of Turner's artistic legacy and his contribution to the Romantic movement in art.The Goodall engraving of "Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus" after Turner captures the dramatic tension and mythological significance of this encounter. It showcases Ulysses' bravery and quick thinking, while also highlighting the monstrous nature of Polyphemus. The artwork serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classical mythology and Turner's skill as a painter, as well as the talent of Goodall as an engraver in faithfully translating the original work into a different medium.

This colorful 19th century engraving is presented in a gold-colored wood frame and double cream-colored mats. The frame measures 13.88" high, 27.25" wide and 1.5" deep. The engraving, frame and mat are in excellent condition.

This engraving is held by several museums and institutions, including: The British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum. The Tate Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Yale Center for British Art, The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and The Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Joseph Mallord William (J.M.W.) Turner (1775-1851) was an English painter who is widely considered one of the greatest landscape painters in Western art history. Born in London, he showed a remarkable talent for art from a young age, and studied at the Royal Academy of Arts from the age of 14. He quickly gained recognition for his watercolor landscapes, which were highly innovative and expressive. Turner's style evolved over time, and he became increasingly interested in the effects of light and color. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, and his experiences of the natural world, particularly the sea and the sky, had a profound influence on his art. His paintings are known for their luminosity, atmospheric effects, and dramatic use of color. Despite facing criticism and ridicule from some of his contemporaries, Turner continued to push the boundaries of art, experimenting with new techniques and styles throughout his career. He was a prolific artist, creating thousands of paintings, sketches, and watercolors, and his legacy continues to inspire artists today. less