1. Artistic Representations of Odysseus leaving Kalypso
By: Mr. Voso
Due Date: November 23rd, 2016

2. Artistic License- PowerPoint Assignment Directions
Pick ONE book from the Odyssey (Books 5 - 8) and a SCENE from that book to focus on.
ex. Perhaps you will focus on Odysseus and Nausicaa in Book Six.
Then, choose THREE artworks from the links provided. For each painting, you should note the…
Title (or a portion if it’s long)
Artist’s name (when available)

3. Artistic License- PowerPoint Assignment Directions
Evaluate how well each artwork accurately captures the characters, events, and descriptive details from the text for the represented scene.
Create a comparison slide for each artwork to determine the positive aspects (accuracy of characters’ emotions, text details, moods, etc.) and negative aspects (inaccurate or unclear representation of the scene) of each piece.
Refer to specific details from the text and the artwork to support your evaluation
In a final slide, determine which of the three provides the best representation of the scene and explain why.

4. Painting #1: “It was the fourth day…” (1924) By: William Russell Flint

5. Painting #1: “It was the fourth day…” (1924) By: William Russell Flint
Positives
Negatives
The piece highlights Kalypso’s emotional state when Odysseus prepares to leave- loving but reluctant to let go, as if Odysseus is heading to war once again.
Kalypso offered Odysseus supplies for his journey home and “tools to build a raft.” These are shown in the background of the painting.
Though Odysseus was skeptical of her offer to let him leave, his body language shows how eager he is to leave for home.
Some might argue that Kalypso’s attitude towards Odysseus when he leaves is more passive-aggressive than sorrowful because it was not her choice to release him from the island.
This piece makes Kalypso seem defeated, almost powerless, which doesn’t align with Kalypso’s fiery words and attitude toward Odysseus.

6. Painting #2: Calypso e Ulisse By: Unknown Artist

7. Painting #2: Calypso e Ulisse By: Unknown Artist
Positives
Negatives
This piece includes Hermes flying away from the island after informing Kalypso of Zeus’ command. This helps show Kalypso feelings at the moment.
Her body language reflects her complex feelings after hearing this news: reluctant to let Odysseus go, and still looking at him with affection.
Odysseus would sit “on the same rock gazing out to sea, weeping for home…”
Some might argue that Kalypso would not look so loving and affectionate towards Odysseus after being commanded to release him, especially because she was so angry in her response to Hermes.
Although she eventually helps him, she initially does not wish him well, saying: “let the man go—if the Almighty insists, commands— / and destroy himself on the barren salt sea! “

8. Painting #3: from “The Odyssey” (1997)
Painting #3: from “The Odyssey” (1997) By: Andrei Konchalovsky (director)

9. Painting #3: Still from “The Odyssey” (1997)
Painting #3: Still from “The Odyssey” (1997) By: Andrei Konchalovsky (director)
Positives
Negatives
While Odysseus looks sad and dejected, Kalypso looks like a goddess- powerful and beautiful.
In this shot, Kalypso holds on to Odysseus possessively. Kalypso’s hold on Odysseus aligns with her telling Hermes how she “cherished” Odysseus after she saved him when he washed ashore on her island.
Many readers feel sorry for Kalypso because, though Odysseus is destined to return home to Penelope, she genuinely loves him. This shot focuses on Kalypso being possessive and misses her tender, loving side.

10. Best Representation: Painting #2
This piece provides context for the whole scene by including Hermes in the background. A viewer familiar with the Odyssey will see how Kalypso’s conflicted emotional state is reflected in her body language and facial expression.
Though some might say Kalypso would be angry at this point, the sight of Odysseus might make her less angry and more saddened- as her body language suggests.
After Hermes leaves, Kalypso finds Odysseus on the beach. The setting for this piece uses this detail from the text.