'Sirens'. J.W. Waterhouse.

 

Of all the ancient poets, Homer has continued to hold fast to modern civilization's imagination because the stories epic proportions of his tales capture the human condition… even today.

There are many examples, including the representation by the 19th-century painter J.W. Waterhouse and his rendition of Ulysses' long journey from the useless and proud war at Troy. Over his long journey home, they have to sail through the Halls of Hercules, his loyal followers obeying his every order. The Halls of Hercules is known for its deadly songs of wisdom and destruction of the Sirens. As was commonly known, ships never ever passed through because of the Sirens' words and songs, causing the vessel to dash against the rocks, the shipmates dragged under, slaves of the Sirens, forever.

As the story goes, Ulysses created the famous Trojan Horse that led to the destruction of Troy and created the vengeance of Poseidon, the god of the sea, against Ulysses…thus Ulysses' treacherous and suffering journey home.

However, the Sirens knew of this vengeance from Poseidon and did their best to dash their vessel and the men on it, including the impressive Ulysses.

In this Waterhouse painting, commissioned by the 19th-century curator of Melbourne's Art Gallery (who requested Waterhouse paint this particular scene; and paid a pittance... the painter's only second painting), J.W. Waterhouse soon, over time, working in Italy, painted wonderful, beautiful depictions of myth, art, and life. And delivered the work, landing in our museum, where it has moved from time to time but often hangs in the Melbourne Gallery.

Australia owns this painting as it was specifically commissioned by the then curator of the National Gallery of Australia. (Interesting choice of subject matter) This was the young Waterhouse's second painting he ever sold. Thus the start of his inspiration and productivity.

The print of this painting had hung on the wall above my desk for many years: beautiful memories. Ulysses is an inspiration for so many essays and stories, sadness, sorrow, and pure joy.

The print continues to hang above a conspicuous place in my flat.

The question must be asked?

Why did Ulysses order his men to tie his body to the ship's mast? He then ordered the crew to cover their ears as best they could: wax, cloth, anything, and ignore the song.

"Tie me tight to the mast and do not follow any of my orders until we're through the halls of Hercules. Cover your ears and not listen to anyone until we are through…."

The sailors row through the halls of Hercules, the Sirens emerge from the water and descend from the sky, singing their songs.

Their song is sweet, alluring, and seductive. They promise everything that a man would ever want…though the crew continues to push their paddles, going harder and harder through the halls, yet can just make out the screams of their leader, Ulysses, pleading to row ashore and join them…but they never do.

This is the painting scene: the curious and brave attempt to understand the "unknown" and be free; the loyalty of a few men, despite the temptations, cover their ears because they want and need to get home.

Once through the halls of Hercules, the crew unties their master as he falls into a heap of sleep. Two of the staff take their leader below to his bed to slumber, which he does for many days.

Thus the story continues.

To finally see the original of the painting was dazzling, the colors accurate, the artwork stunning, the story clear…

To actually experience seeing a painting close to one's heart is a real gift.

An aesthetic moment to remember.