Considering the pig, a single-minded bestiary.
Poets and artists who have considered pigs and the goddess Circe
British, (1840-1920) Circe and the Companions of Ulysses (1871), oil on canvas 26.97 x 51.18 in. (68.5 x 130 cm.) Editor’s Note: Be sure to read Circe rediscovered after a century for the curious details of how this painting disappeared from public view for over a century. An illustration of this painting appears in Character … Read more
German, (1630-1703) Ulysses at the Palace of Circe (1667), oil on canvas 34.9 x 47.9 in. (88.7 x 121.7 cm.) J. Paul Getty Museum Editor’s Note: The tiny figures of Ulysses, Circe, and her entourage are secondary to the magnificently decorated palace, the lush landscape, and the assortment of lively animals. This painting is a … Read more
France, (c.1508-c. 1561) Circe turns Ulysses’ crew into swine (1557), woodcut engraving illustration from:Ovid. Metamorphoses. Lyon: (1557). Editor’s Note: This image was copied by Virgil Solis for Feyerabent’s 1563 edition of the Metamorphoses produced in Frankfurt. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (c. 1557), wood engraving illustration from:Biblia Sacra. Lyons: Jean de Tournes, (1557). Editor’s … Read more
United States, (1816-1887) THE SPELL OF CIRCEA Classic Fable When all his comrades drank the magic bowl Of crafty Circe, changing form and soul Of men to brutes,—wolves, lions, bears, and swine, Ulysses only, full of strength divine, And matchless wisdom, ‘scaped the siren’s snare; Refused the tempting cup, and (triumph rare!) Returned another mixed … Read more
Robin Skelton, Canada (1925-1997), poetry includes: Wart Hog. Skelton was a poet, academic, writer and anthologist. He became Professor of English at the University of Victoria in British Columbia and served as Founder Chairman of Department of Creative Writing 1973-76. He was well known for his work as a literary editor and was a founder and editor, with John Peter, of The Malahat Review.
United States, (1893-1961) The Thralls Of Circe Climb Parnassus Between the mountain meadow and the pines In one still wave the flowered azaleas clomb— A billow laced and crested with pale foam Unscattered by the balsam-bearing winds. High-rearing on their miry haunches, where Some grassy-bottomed tarn had sunk and died, A black hog and … Read more
German, (1514-1562) Chez Circé [The Home of Circe] (1563), wood envgraving illustration from: Ovid. Metamorphoses. Frankfurt edition, (1563).andNicholausReusner. Emblemata. Frankfurt edition, (1581). Editor’s Note: This image was copied by Solis from Bernard Salomon’s 1557 engraving for the 1557 edition of Metamorphoses produced in Lyon. About the Artist Virgil Solis (1514-1562) was a German wood engraver … Read more
Thomas George Soper, England (1870-1942), works include: Circe’s Palace and Watching the piglets. Soper was a print maker and etcher who specialized in rustic scenes of people and animals, especially horses.
Flemish, (1546–1611) Odysseus and Circe (1580/1585), oil on canvas 28.4 x 42.5 in. (72 x 108 cm.) Kunsthistorisches Museum Editor’s Note: Here is a close up of the pig/boar: About the Artist Bartholomäus Spranger (1546–1611) was a Flemish Mannerist painter, draughtsman, and etcher. After early artistic training in Antwerp, he traveled to Paris and then … Read more
Flanders, (1523-1605) Odysseus, Mercury and Circe (1570) pen and ink with wash and white heighteningover black chalk under-drawing on yellow washed paper 11.8 x 8.7 in. (29.9 x 22 cm.) The Royal Collection, London Editor’s Note: This is a study for a painting in Francesco de’ Medici’s cabinet room or studiolo in the Palazzo Vecchio. … Read more