Hermes Ordering Calypso To Release Odysseus

Hermes Ordering Calypso to Release Odysseus, circa 1670. The Greek goddess Calypso held the hero Odysseus captive for seven years, preventing his return home from the Trojan War. Despite Calypso?s charms and the luxurious surroundings, Odysseus longed for his home and family, so the Olympian gods finally allowed his freedom. Here, the god Hermes swoops down to free Odysseus from Calypso?s embrace. De Lairesse, popularly known as the "Dutch Poussin," introduced to the Netherlands a classicizing style influenced by artists of the French Academy. Creator Gustav Klimt (Austrian, 1862-1918). (Photo by Heritage Arts/Heritage Images via Getty Images)