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Mimmo Paladino Illustrates Homer's Iliad and Odyssey for Diane de Selliers

publication · 2026-04-23

Diane de Selliers, known for publishing illustrated editions of foundational texts, has released a two-volume set of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey illustrated by Italian artist Mimmo Paladino. The project, described as 'cyclopean,' marks the first time both epics have been fully illustrated by a single artist. Paladino created two hundred drawings over two years using diverse techniques including watercolor, gouache, pencil, pastel, India ink, collage, and scratching. The translations by Paul Mazon (Iliad) and Victor Bérard (Odyssey) are accompanied by updated critical apparatus. The publication coincides with an exhibition at Galerie Ropac in Paris from October 18 to November 17. Paladino's illustrations are intentionally allusive rather than descriptive, maintaining autonomy from the narrative. Dieter Koepplin's preface describes them as 'musically' aligned with Homer's epic, evoking a 'brushing' of the text. Typical Paladino motifs—hands, helmets, masks, skulls, horses—resonate with the ancient world, reflecting his upbringing amidst Hellenic culture. Paladino previously illustrated James Joyce's Ulysses with eighteen engravings in 1995, and views Odysseus as a metaphor for the artist: 'The artist, a castaway and a wanderer, like Ulysses?'

Key facts

  • Mimmo Paladino created 200 drawings for a new illustrated edition of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
  • The project took two years and uses techniques such as watercolor, gouache, pencil, pastel, India ink, collage, and scratching.
  • Diane de Selliers published the two-volume set with translations by Paul Mazon (Iliad) and Victor Bérard (Odyssey).
  • An exhibition of the works was held at Galerie Ropac in Paris from October 18 to November 17.
  • This is the first time both epics have been fully illustrated by a single artist.
  • Paladino previously illustrated James Joyce's Ulysses with 18 engravings in 1995.
  • Dieter Koepplin wrote the preface, describing the illustrations as 'musically' aligned with Homer's text.
  • Paladino's motifs include hands, helmets, masks, skulls, and horses, resonating with ancient Greek culture.

Entities

Artists

  • Mimmo Paladino

Institutions

  • Diane de Selliers éditeurs
  • Galerie Ropac

Locations

  • Paris
  • France

Sources