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.