John William Waterhouse, “Ulysses and the Sirens”, 1891, National Gallery of Victoria

Ulysses and the Sirens, 1891, by John William Waterhouse was purchased for the National Gallery of Victoria by Sir Hubert Herkomer, for £1200, in June 1891. The picture had recently been exhibited at the Royal Academy in London and had been reviewed at length in the British press. The critical interest centred on the artist’s interpretation of Homer’s Odyssey. At the forefront, seemingly, of most critics’ minds was one question: how far had Waterhouse stretched his artistic licence?

Once the Ulysses reached Australian shores, Melbourne critics were quick to pounce on Waterhouse’s wayward interpretation of the Greek legend, holding the picture as evidence of the Gallery Trustees’ misuse of public funds. The critics were passionate in questioning the literal accuracy of the picture, and were insistent that there had been foul play with respect to its acquisition.