Apr 6
Philoctetes on the island of Naxos
Artist: John Gaibazzi (Italian, (1808-1888) Date: 1834 Medium: Oil on canvas Collection: National Gallery of Parma, Parma, Italy
Description
Philoctetes lived alone on the island of Naxos, abandoned there by his companions to rid himself of the stench emanating from the ulcerous wound that infected his foot. He possessed arrows dipped in the blood of the Lernaean Hydra, gifts from Hercules—weapons needed, according to a prophecy, to conquer Troy. The Greeks thus decided to send Odysseus and Pyrrhus to convince him to return to the camp. The composition depicts the moment when Philoctetes, mindful of his companions' past cruelty, refused to follow the messengers.
#mythological art#mythological narrative#painting#philocletes#greek mythology#island of naxos#ulcerous wound#stool#odysseus#pyrrhus#conversation#messengers#gestures#ocean shore#distant city#oil on canvas#artwork#fine art#oil painting#costume#knight#drapery#cloak#headdress#italian culture#italian art#giovanni gabazzi#italian painter#19th century painting#european art