The Story of Argus, Faithful Dog of Odysseus– as Painted by Briton Rivière

Painted by Briton Rivière, this oil painting (usually dated as created in 1885) shows the reunion between Ulysses (also known as Ulysses), finally returned to Ithaca after twenty years (Troy!) and his faithful dog Ulysses.  This video by Inspiraggio calls it “one of the saddest paintings ever made” and although there is a hint of hyperbole in that description, it is certainly one that is emotionally very charged, especially for dog lovers.

Odysseus had owned Argus before he went to the Trojan war and had trained him as a puppy.  By the time he returned, to reclaim wife and kingdom from would-be usurpers who wished to declare him dead and marry Penelope, the dog was over twenty years old and unable to stand.  Yet despite the fact that Odysseus was heavily disguised as an old beggar, Argus still recognised him.  Yet there is a tragedy behind this reunion.  Odysseus could not pet his faithful dog, or wish him a final goodbye with a few strokes to the dog’s ancient head.  Instead, they locked eyes and Argis was able to die happily, knowing that his master had finally returned.  It must have been agony for Odysseus– knowing that the dog had steadfastly waited for his return, but unable to thank him through touch lest it gave the game away.

This painting was painted at the height of Riviere’s fame.  He had full Royal Academy Status, granted in 1881 – the highest honour for a British painter at this time.  He was also revered by his contemporaries as the foremost painter of animals in the land.  I won’t go on, as all of this and more is covered in the wonderful video below.