Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses

John William Waterhouse's 1891 oil painting, "Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses" stands as a remarkable example of the Pre-Raphaelite style. This artwork vividly brings to life a dramatic scene from Homer's epic, "The Odyssey." We witness the enchantress Circe extending a cup filled with a potion meant to bewitch Ulysses (known as Odysseus in Greek mythology), just as she has already ensorcelled his crew.

In a masterful touch, Waterhouse includes Ulysses' reflection in a mirror behind Circe's throne, adding layers of depth to the composition. At Circe's feet, one of Ulysses' men, transformed into a pig by her magic, underscores the enchantress's formidable power and the peril Ulysses faces. The painting exquisitely captures the tension and mystique of this encounter, highlighting Waterhouse's talent for storytelling through his richly detailed and evocative style, a signature trait of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.