Mythologies - The Scottish Gallery

40 | PAUL REIDThe figure of Odysseus has also been reappraised from theartist’s previous depictions. Now he is a grizzled warriorin a ramshackle assembly of clothes and weaponry;canteen, rifle and boots might have been recycled fromthe aftermath of a previous War and his tunic and coatare practical for marching and fighting. Only his swordseems fit for a hero. He is favoured by the Gods but isalso a mercenary whose principal loyalty is to his ownband of warrior companions whose fate is once again inthe balance.11 Portrait of Odysseus, oil on canvas, 91 x 51 cms