Mercury Ordering Calypso to Release Odysseus (c.1680)

Mercury Ordering Calypso to Release Odysseus (c 1680)

Lairesse, Gérard de (1641-1711)

Mercury Ordering Calypso to Release Odysseus
c.1680
Oil on canvas, 132 x 96 cm
RijksmuseumAmsterdam

During his wanderings, Odysseus encounters the nymph Calypso, who falls in love with him and holds him captive on her island. Jupiter then sends Mercury to command her to let Odysseus return to his wife. Lairesse made this painting, together with several other works representing exemplary love and devotion, for Mary Stuart’s apartments in Soestdijk Palace. (RIJKS)

See also:

• Homer (fl. 9th or 8th century BC)