Ancient Sculpture Inspires a Unique Interpretation of Odysseus' Return to Ithaca

                                                               Written by Francesca D.

                                                                          (2008)
      
      Gorgeous, descriptive, and expressive best describe the works on display in the Greco-Roman art gallery of the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art. Of all the objects, most striking is a terracotta plaque discovered on the Greek island of Milos which depicts the return of the famed hero Odysseus to Ithaca.

     The plaque, created in the fifth century B.C., portrays the shrewd and courageous
Odysseus while he is still dressed as a beggar. Despite the fact that he is in this condition, the artist chose to portray him as particularly reverent to his wife and lifetime love, Penelope. While it is unclear if Penelope is aware that her husband has returned – she could be weeping because of his absence – the sculptor makes this a negligible point. Odysseus the adventurer is displayed in a compassionate, comforting light. As a beggar he reaches out to Penelope in order to take away her pain and award her with love.

     It is clear that Penelope is the most important character on the plaque. Her stature connotes strength. Although she is seated, she towers over the other figures in the scene. In addition, she is seated in the center which immediately draws the attention of the viewer. While looking at the sculpture, one is deeply touched by her sadness.

     This particular plaque is unique because it is a narrative. It is very interesting that the artist placed Penelope in the center of the sculpture and not Odysseus. In most ancient societies the male was exalted and the female was overshadowed. The fact that this is not true for this piece may indicate that the island of Milos may have been slightly ahead of its time.

     While little is known about Homer’s life, his works have greatly influenced major writers, philosophers, and sculptors since the eighth century B.C. The Odyssey, one of the greatest stories ever told, emphasizes timeless humanistic values like loyalty, devotion, honor, and truth, and serves as guide to moral behavior. Very few works rival this outstanding epic in sheer depth and scope of cultural and literary influence.