Ulysee avec Nausicaa - Pl. III from the "L'Odyssee" portfolio

Andre Masson

Nausicaä is a mortal, the daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete of the island of Phaeacia. When Odysseus [Ulysses] reached the shores of Phaeacia, his ship was destroyed, his crew lost, and his clothes ripped from his body in his desperate attempt to swim to safety. He found shelter in a forest but was awoken from his sleep by the playful noises made by Nausicaä and her maidens. When he emerged covered only by olive branches, the frightened maidens fled leaving Nausicaä alone with the stranger. Her response to the stranger was one of compassion and hospitality as she offered Odysseus clothing and food as well as instructions as to how to approach her mother, Queen Arete. Nausicaä, despite being lovestruck, ensured Odysseus’ return home.

In his color aquatint, Ulysse avec Nausicaa, Masson depicts the first meeting of Nausicaä and Odysseus. He emerges from the forest unkept and unclothed, covered only by olive branches, and she, both beautiful and brave, stands tall facing him. In very gestural strokes, Masson presents the fleeing maidens beyond the figures of Nausicaä and Odysseus.