Francesco Primaticcio
Italian (Mantua, worked in France), 1504-1570

Greek hero Odysseus (Ulysses) has finally returned home to his wife, the faithful Penelope, after battling the Trojans and enduring years of subsequent troubles. The lovers recount their adventures to one another deep into the night. While Penelope lists the suitors she held at bay, Ulysses lovingly cradles her chin in a gesture of compassion and affection.

The composition is based on one of 58 wall frescos designed by Francesco Primaticcio of scenes from Homer’s Odyssey, originally located at the palace of Fontainebleau near Paris.  In a France disturbed by political unrest, Ulysses stood as a symbol of the wise and prudent prince who surmounted great obstacles finally to triumph over his enemies. Unfortunately, the Gallery of Ulysses, Primaticcio’s masterpiece, was destroyed in 1738 after years of decay. While this canvas is based in part on one of the frescoes, whose design is known from a later engraving, the tender gesture of Ulysses touching his wife’s face is a fresh invention.

Oil on canvas, about 1560
Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1964.60