Reconnaissance par le Porcher - Pl. VIII from the "L'Odyssee" portfolio

Andre Masson

Disguised as a beggar, Odysseus returns home to Ithaca and, at once, seeks out his faithful swineherd, Eumaeus, who offers the stranger nourishment. After a twenty-year absence, Odysseus is not recognized by the swineherd until he exposes a scar on his leg as identification. Eumaeus acknowledges his master and warns him of the dangerous suitors living in his palace, pursuing his wife Penelope, and pillaging the land. Odysseus and Eumaeus go to the palace where they are joined by Telemachus, son of Odysseus, and together they slay the suitors and the maids that laid with them.

In his image, Masson depicts Eumaeus seated causally with staff in hand in front of a standing beggar. His eyes are cast downward as if he is judging the man and the story being told him. In moments, Odysseus will identify himself and the demeanor of Eumaeus will change as he recognizes and welcomes his king.