"Odysseus and the Mermaids" by Cristina Marsi

After leaving Circe the sorceress, to return home, Odysseus has to next pass
the Island of the Sirens, whose beautiful voices enchanted all who sailed near. ‘Plug your men’s ears with bees-wax,’ had advised Circe, ‘and if you are eager to hear their music, have your crew bind you hand and foot to the mast, and make them swear not to let you escape, however harshly you may threaten them.’…  As the ship approached Siren Land, Odysseus took Circe’s advice, and the sirens sang so sweetly, promising him foreknowledge of all future happenings on earth, that he shouted to his companions, threatening them with death if they would not release him; but, obeying his earlier orders, they only lashed him tighter to the mast.  Thus the ship sailed by in safety, and the sirens committed suicide for vexation.

Watercolor and watercolor pencils on 200 gr/sqm drawing paper. 30*40 cm.