Step 2. Art Analysis

Look at the various ways Polyphemus has been depicted, and answer the questions about the paintings. Bring to class your answers as Word documents.

Which myth is portrayed?

How is the cyclops depicted here?

Pay particular attention to the colors used in Redon's depiciton of the cyclops. What do you notice?

Are there any shapes and lines in Redon's depiction of Polyphemus? What effect does this have?

Does this image evoke sympathy for Polyphemus?

Image: Cyclops and Galatea
Artist: Redon, Odilon (1914) b. 1840 d. 1916

URL: http://www.luc.edu/depts/history/dennis/Visual_Arts/08-Symbol_Redon_Cyclops.jpg

What colors does Moreau use to characterize Polyphemos?

How is this Polyphemus different from Redon's?

To what extent do the colors used contrast those of Galatea?

How would you characterize Moreaus' use of texture here?

What do these stylistic choices say about Moreau's perspective on Polyphemos?

Image: Galateaa
Artist: Moreau, Gustav (1880)

URL: http://cgfa.sunsite.dk/moreau/p-moreau19.htm

What is happening in this scene?

What details have been used to depict Polyphemos in this Mosaic? (HINT: Look at what is drapped over his knee)

Do these details contribute to the image of Polyphemus as a beast or an individual deserving sympathy?

What seems to be the artist's view of Polyphemos in this mosaic?

Image: Polyphemos
Artist: Unkown. 4th century AD from the Villa Imperiale; Piazza Aremerina, Sicily

URL: http://monira.blog.excite.it/archive/category/Scrivo..e%20basta!

What event is portrayed?

What details of the Cyclops has the artist chosen to emphasize?

Do these details make him seem more like a beast or a creature deserving sympathy?

What other elements on this vase contribute to the artist's depiction of Polyphemos?

Image: Large Amphora; Odysseus Blinding Polyphemos
Artist: Unkown; ~520 BC Black Figure vase

URL: http://www.philipresheph.com/demodokos/odyssey/pic40.htm

How would you characterize the contours of this depiction?

Use 3 words to describe this Polyphemus.

What might he be thinking?

Summary questions:

Go back to your literature questions and reread them.

Which of these depictions of Polyphemus comes closest to your list of words for him?

Is his character problematic, or does he represent a conflict of some kind? If so, what is that conflict?

Does Polyphemus represent some aspect of ourselves or our society?
Explain why or why not.

Go on to Step 3: Synthesis, and use these answers to help you in the final task.

Image: Head of Polyphemos
Artist: Unkown. Found in Smyrna, Turkey. Hellenistic period

URL: http://www.ucm.es/info/seic/online/fotos/polifemo12.htm