This is a painting done by John William Waterhouse that depicts sirens in the Odyssey. It was completed in 1891 and is an oil painting and was part of the Victorian era of paintings. It was different from the works of the times as the artist depicted the Sirens as birds with heads of women. Most paintings of the time portrayed every human being as having extensive body shapes and features resembling the conventional. Analyzing the painting further, it is clear that John Waterhouse utilizes vibrant colors to call to attention several elements of the mythology and the literature surrounding the Odyssey. The color of the sea is a deep blue while the sirens contrast it with their mute yet vibrant reds and yellow on their garments and bird-like bodies. The mute colors appear to make the sirens disappear against the backdrop of the landscape. At the same time, their faces are brightened in contrast to the sailors and this showcases their allure and beauty. The posture of the sirens is alluring and sensuous poses. The sirens are tempting and seducing the sailors and the distinct siren in blue is demonstrating this clearly. In terms of gender, the sirens are female in line with the traditional mythology and they are not depicted as horrifying creatures. This showcases temptation and the feminine wiles that tempt the sailors. This is obviously different from the traditional story where the alluring factor of the sirens was their sweet voices.

The painting is the most accurate depiction of the sirens both in terms of their actual look as well as the underlying themes of the story relating to resisting temptation. The character of Odysseus is portrayed as the central character in the painting by being at the center and also wearing a distinctive white garment that demonstrates his character of strength, creativity, and endurance. These are the central themes of this challenge in the Odyssey that demonstrate resistance to temptation and creativity in overcoming a dangerous and deadly situation that appears as a beautiful and unassuming trap.

I think that the focus on bright colors in this painting is a demonstration of beauty in the story of the Odyssey. This aesthetic is common with adventurous stories and characters as they have tales that are alluring and invite the reader to further explore. This painting does the same through a visual medium. One’s eyes are drawn to the distinctive colors of Odysseus and the Sirens which provide the context of the action in the painting. The artist in particular chooses to portray the sirens in their bird-like body form which is effective in showcasing an otherworldly beauty. It is also an effective means of showcasing the action of the story in a condensed format that packs the details in a clear way. The boat appears to be in motion and the sirens are trying to interfere with the sailors’ conviction which is all visible in a single shot. The key details of how the Sirens lure their victims is also clear.