Telemachus and the Nymphs of Calypso
ArtistAngelica Kauffmann
Year1782
Mediumoil paint
Dimensions82.6 cm × 112.4 cm (32.5 in × 44.3 in)
LocationMetropolitan Museum of Art
Accession25.110.188
WebsiteMetropolitan Museum of Art

Telemachus and the Nymphs of Calypso is a 1782 oil painting by the Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman. It is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.[1]

Early history and creation

This painting and The Sorrow of Telemachus were painted for Monsignor Onorato Caetani (1742-1797) [it]. They show scenes from the French novel The Adventures of Telemachus published by François Fénelon in 1699, and based on the story of Telemachus, son of Odysseus.[1][2][3]

Description and interpretation

The work depicts the arrival of Telemachus on Ogygia, Calypso's island. He is welcomed by her nymphs with fruit, wine and flowers. The goddess Athena had been his guide, disguised as the old man Mentor, and is shown being led away to the left by the nymphs.[3]


References

  1. ^ a b "Telemachus and the Nymphs of Calypso". Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  2. ^ "The Sorrow of Telemachus". Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  3. ^ a b Baetjer, Katharine (2009). "Angelika Kauffmann". British Paintings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1575-1875. Metropolitan Museum of Art. pp. 138–142. ISBN 9781588393487. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
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