Circe (1888)
by Louis Chalon
French, 1866-1940
Louis Chalon was a French artist who began his career as an illustrator and was known for his classically inspired paintings, illustrations for books, and decorative objects. Chalon’s works often featured mythological and allegorical subjects.
His painting “Circe” stands as a testament to his skill in capturing the allure and mystique of mythological figures. Chalon’s depiction is noted for its exotic elements, combining various cultural motifs to create a setting that reflects Circe’s otherworldly nature. The painting frames Circe with a radiant sun behind her, alluding to her divine parentage as the daughter of the sun god Helios.
The legend of Circe is rich and complex. She is known as a minor goddess or enchantress in Greek mythology, often associated with magic and transformation. Circe’s most famous myth involves her encounter with Odysseus in Homer’s “Odyssey,” where she turns his men into pigs with a potion. Odysseus, protected by an herb from Hermes, confronts and overcomes Circe, who then helps him on his journey home.
Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging