The Nymphs Burning Telemachus Ship, 17th Century, Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed

Details

Description

Oil on canvas. The scene depicts an episode from the 17th-century novel 'Les Aventures de Télémaque' (The Adventures of Telemachus) … Read more Oil on canvas. The scene depicts an episode from the 17th-century novel 'Les Aventures de Télémaque' (The Adventures of Telemachus) by François Fénelon, published in 1699. In Fénelon's tale, Telemachus (son of Ulysses), while searching for his father accompanied by Mentor (who disguises himself as the goddess Athena), is shipwrecked on the island of Calypso and falls in love with a nymph. To prevent Telemachus from leaving the island and abandoning the girl, the goddess Calypso, who has taken them in, orders her nymphs to burn the ship on which Telemachus and Mentor had arrived. In the painting presented, in the left foreground, Mentor urges the young Telemachus to turn away, while he is still gazing at the girl standing on the path to the right; meanwhile, the other nymphs set fire to the boat, stranded on the shore, with their torches. The canvas, previously relined, has several paint losses. It is presented in a period frame. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less