Odyssey painting goes on show at York Art Gallery

A Turner masterpiece depicting a key episode from Homer’s Odyssey has gone on display at York Art Gallery. The J.M.W. Turner painting, on loan from the National Gallery, shows Ulysses (Odysseus) sailing away from the island where the one-eyed giant Polyphemus held him and his men captive. It forms part of Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman, opening at the gallery on Friday and featuring more than 100 works. Curators said interest in Homer has risen after the success of Christopher Nolan’s recent film. The exhibition runs until 17 January 2027.