Circe and The Friends of Ulysses Briton Riviere (1840-1920)

The composition presents a scene steeped in an atmosphere of unsettling transformation and languid repose. A woman with long, flowing hair sits centrally, her posture suggesting both contemplation and detachment. She is positioned on what appears to be a broad, flat stone surface, which dominates the foreground and creates a sense of stage-like presentation. Her gaze is directed outward, beyond the immediate group, contributing to an air of mystery surrounding her intentions.
The most striking element of the work lies in the array of animals that populate the space before her. These are not ordinary creatures; they exhibit characteristics of both swine and humans. Some appear as fully formed pigs, while others possess distinctly human features – faces, hands – integrated into their porcine forms. This unsettling hybridity is a key feature of the narrative context, hinting at a magical process of metamorphosis. The animals sprawl across the stone surface in various poses – sleeping, reclining, or simply lying still – creating an impression of comfortable surrender and loss of agency.
Behind this group, a dense thicket of foliage forms a backdrop. This verdant screen is rendered with loose brushstrokes, obscuring details and contributing to the dreamlike quality of the scene. A glimpse of architectural elements – a classical structure partially visible through the leaves – suggests a setting that blends natural abundance with an underlying sense of civilization or order, now seemingly overtaken by the wildness represented in the foreground.
The color palette is dominated by muted greens, yellows, and pinks, which reinforce the feeling of warmth and languor. The light source appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows and minimizing harsh contrasts. This contributes to a general sense of stillness and quietude, despite the unsettling nature of the transformation taking place.
Subtly, the work explores themes of power, enchantment, and the fragility of identity. The woman’s passive observation suggests an exercise of control, while the animals transformed state symbolizes a loss of self or agency. The blending of human and animal forms raises questions about what it means to be human, and the boundaries between different realms of existence. The overall effect is one of unsettling beauty – a scene that simultaneously captivates and disturbs through its depiction of metamorphosis and the ambiguous nature of power.