Long after you’ve left the theatre, the most poignant scene from Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey remains etched in your memory. Matt Damon’s Odysseus, an emperor disguised as a beggar, walks down the lanes of Ithaca, a shell of the legendary kingdom he left behind for 20 years of gruelling Trojan War and tormenting return. Battered, hollow-eyed, the king walks stealthily in rags, lest his cover be blown. He is identified by none but Argus, his four-legged friend, who waited 20 years for his master’s return. On the brink of death, the dog takes a last look at his master’s eyes and shortly after dies. This profound scene from Homer’s Odyssey is captured in a stunning painting that sits in a UK gallery.
Ulysses And Argus By Briton Rivière
The Manchester Art Gallery is the home of Ulysses and Argus. It’s British artist Briton Rivière’s heartfelt attempt to bring to life a scene from Homer’s 3000-year-old poem, Odyssey to life. Painted in 1871, the artwork, at first glance, looks like a weary beggar staring at an old dying dog. But the oil beautifully captures Greek mythology’s most devastating scenes, of a dog who waited 20 years for his master to return from war.
Alas, emperor Odysseus returned as a broken man forced to hide his identity against all odds. Even if this meant pretending not to recognise his beloved dog Argus in its final moments. The dog’s ribs are shown through its skin; there’s sadness, yet a hint of relief in its eyes. For its owner has finally returned home. In the painting, while the emperor recognises his faithful dog, he cannot acknowledge it for fear of his cover being blown.
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A 150-YO Painting At The Manchester Art Gallery
Ulysses and Argus (1871) by Briton Rivière is one of the most famous paintings at Manchester Art Gallery. The British artist was known for his artworks that often celebrated the bond between animals and people. His empathy towards animals is displayed in his artworks.
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So, if you’re a fan of The Odyssey, you must visit The Manchester Art Gallery to witness one of the most empathetic scenes from the film and the Homer poem brought alive on canvas.
FAQs
What is The Odyssey about?
The Odyssey is an ancient Greek poem believed to date back to 3000 years, penned by Homer. It follows the journey of hero Odysseus on his gruelling 10-year journey back to his home Ithaca after the Trojan War.