10. Jan Muller (1571-1628)
after Cornelis van Haarlem (1562-1638)

The Fight Between Odysseus and Irus

(click on image to print)
Muller, The Fight

The Fight Between Odysseus and Irus

Engraving, 1589, 424 x 327 mm., Bartsch 30, Hollstein 52 i/ii, ex collection: Dr. Carl von Guérard (Lugt 1109). Very fine impression of the first state, before Muller’s name was added as engraver, on laid paper trimmed along the plate mark but showing the borderline all around and with the full text below; thin spots and a possible tear reinforced on Odysseus’ leg, small spots and a stain in the upper left corner. The subject is from Homer’s Odyssey. Odysseus has returned home disguised as a beggar. Another beggar, Irus, has challenged him and Odysseus fights him and breaks his jaw. But it is the mannered poses and musculature in the composition that command our attention, rather than any interpretation of an event in literature.