THE MANY FACES OF HOMER

The name attributed to producing the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” is no mystery. In fact, we’re sure you’ve heard the name even if you haven’t read the author’s two notorious books. These two epic poems were added into the cannon long ago, and are now considered classic; they serve as the established model or standard to which other work of literature are compared. Homer is thought to have composed during the Iron Age (700-650 B.C), but is writing about the Bronze Age (1250 B.C.).

First, there is no evidence as to if the author ever existed. No one knows the birth location, family order, or tomb stone of the author. Some historians believe Homer was a blind oracle. This creates trouble when one tries to understand how Homer composed these two pieces of literature. But regardless of the conflicting historical facts, and perhaps because of them, his name has spawned a curiosity to look for the genius of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Art is by defined as "the human effort to imitate, supplement or counteract the work of nature" (http://dictionary.reference.com). It is a universal language that can be appreciated from persons of any background. The mere fact that Homer was and continues to be the center of so many artist's works validates his significant impact on culture. Through artistic representations, Homer has received credibility which has immortalized his physical and aesthetic attributes. In this way, art helped people formulate a visual representation of the great Homer. These works of art also add to the mystery of Homer: How do artists know what this man looked like? Is there significance to the mediums in which they represent him? When did artistic representations of Homer begin? All of these questions are thought provoking and engaging. This website will seek to answer these questions, as well as provide viewers with the meanings behind art’s representation in their work.

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