Oskar Kokoschka (1886–1980) devoted a significant part of his later career to illustrating the great texts of antiquity, among which The Odyssey stands out as one of his most ambitious undertakings. Through a powerful series of lithographs, the artist profoundly identified with Odysseus—the wandering hero whose humanity lies in the tension between strength and vulnerability. Far from serving as mere illustrations, these works offer a deeply personal meditation on the human condition, echoing Kokoschka’s own life journey marked by conflict, exile, and resilience.
Fascinated by the narrative richness and moral depth of Homer’s epic, Kokoschka perceived The Odyssey as a quest for inner reconciliation. His intense, expressive visual language translates this reflection into images in which allegory and metaphor play a central role. Through this series, he articulates a universal message—one of freedom, responsibility, courage, and perseverance—inviting viewers to embrace life fully, even in the face of adversity.
An exhibition curated by Aglaja Kempf, curator of the Oskar Kokoschka Foundation.
