The artwork titled “Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus” was crafted by J.M.W. Turner around the year 1848. Rendered in oil on canvas, the piece is associated with the Romanticism movement and falls under the marina genre. Measuring 132 x 203 cm, this significant piece is housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork vividly portrays the moment of Ulysses (Odysseus) mocking the blinded Cyclops Polyphemus after escaping from his cave. The scene is set against a dramatic seascape, with Turner’s characteristic sublime use of light and atmospheric effects. The central ship, adorned with billowing white sails, is vivid against the dark and luminous skies, emphasizing the romantic and heroic grandeur. The landscape, enveloped in mist and illuminated by a radiant sun, captures the emotional intensity and dynamic movement typical of Turner’s romantic vision, reinforcing the mythical and epic narrative of the piece.
