Ornament with Mythic Figures: Ulysses, a youth seated on a swan 1775 - 1825

This anonymous drawing shows two mythological figures, Ulysses and a youth seated on a swan, rendered in pencil on paper. The iconography and style suggest it was likely made by a Northern European artist sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. During this period, there was a resurgence of interest in classical antiquity and mythology, partly fueled by archaeological discoveries and the Grand Tour tradition. Artists often turned to these stories as sources of inspiration, recasting them in light of contemporary social and political ideals. This image may reflect broader cultural attitudes towards heroism, virtue, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. In researching this piece further, it would be fascinating to explore the archives of art academies from this period, where students were trained in classical drawing techniques and encouraged to study ancient sculptures. Such investigation might shed light on the artist's training, social context, and the intended function of the drawing.