Art Across the Curriculum
Herbert Draper - Ulysses and The Sirens 1909
A variant on the neo-classical tradition of the late Victorian era,
Draper's pictures often had a nautical theme; he was particularly fond of painting nymphs and mermaids. The subject of the Ferens' painting is taken from Greek legend, as described in Homer's Odyssey, the epic poem describing the adventures of Ulysses(Odysseus) on his journey home from Troy. Ulysses and his men had to sail past rocks where sirens sang, tempting sailors to their doom. To overcome the temptation, Ulysses ordered his crew to plug their ears and keep rowing, whilst he tied himself to the ship's mast.
Curriculum links for this painting could include
Literacy - Poetry , creative writing, myths and legends
History - The ancient Greeks, the Victorians
Science - Floating and sinking
Learning article provided by:
Ferens Art Gallery, Hull |
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