Location:

Private Residence, Palm Beach, Florida

Description:

CONCEPT: Odysseus demanding Circe return his crew from wild boars back to men.

DESIGN: This long, narrrow bathroom needed depth. Since it is difficult to stand back and look at the mural, the composition was kept low, near the horizon line. Mirrors on the opposite wall reflect the mural, adding space and dimension to the bathroom. The tile wainscoting was incorporated into the mural, it acts as a wall which draws the viewer into the scene, effectively "breaking the edge" of the painting. The column at the far ends guides the viewer back into composition. The mural was painted as a "grisaille" to compliment the monochromatic bathroom scheme. It was painted in our studio on canvas and installed on site.

Mural is reflected from mirrors on opposite wall:

BACKSTORY: Odysseus and his men arrived at the Aegean isle, where Circe dwelt, the daughter of the sun. Landing here, he sent forward one-half of his crew to see what prospect of hospitality they might find. As they approached, they found themselves surrounded by lions, tigers, and wolves, not fierce, but tamed by Circe's art, for she was a powerful magician. All these animals had once been men, but had been changed by Circe's enchantments into the forms of beasts. The sounds of soft music were heard from within, and a sweet female voice singing. The goddess conducted her guests to a seat, and had them served with wine and other delicacies. When they had feasted heartily, she touched them one by one with her wand, and they became immediately changed into swine, in "head, body, voice, and bristles," yet with their intellects as before. Eurylochus escaped and hurried back to the ship and told the tale. Odysseus thereupon determined to go himself, and try if by any means he might deliver his companions. As he strode onward alone, he met Mercury (Hermes), and informed Odysseus of the arts of Circe, and of the danger of approaching her. Mercury provided him with a sprig of the plant Moly, of wonderful power to resist sorceries, and instructed him how to act. He forced her to restore his companions to human form, and in amazement that anyone could resist her spell, Circe fell in love with Odysseus. He and his friends stayed with her for a year.