BLIND HOMER By Mattia Preti

This painting of Homer is usually credited to Mattia Preti in sixteenth-century Italy. It now decorates the walls of the Gallerie dell� Accademia in Venice (Badiarov, 2001-2004). Even though it depicts Homer with the classic full beard and blindness, it also has many unique features. A heavenly light source appears to shine down upon Homer�s uplifted countenance, perhaps illustrating a divine inspiration. Despite his physical blindness, Homer still "looks" to the Gods and continues to play his instrument. He is shown as a bard, sharing his works with the public through the oral tradition of song.

One of the most surprising elements of the painting is Preti�s choice of musical instrument. In this painting, Preti portrays Homer playing the violin. This is itself a paradox because violins were not invented until long after Homer�s time. Instead, the popular stringed instrument described in the Iliad and Odyssey is the lyre. One interpretation of this ironic choice is that perhaps Preti is ascribing a Middle Eastern heritage to Homer. The predecessors of the violin originated among the Turks, Arabs, and other Eastern peoples (Skinner). This may have been the reason why Preti chose this particular instrument to place in Homer�s hands.

Another plausible explanation for the violin is that Preti may have been attempting to link Homer with his Italian culture. The first violin in its present form was made in northern Italy between 1520 and 1550 A.D. (ThinkQuest, 1999). Hence, the violin has become somewhat synonymous with the Italian culture. As a modern example, what kind of music comes to mind when you think of eating at an upscale Italian restaurant? Most likely you would think of being serenading by a violinist. By showing Homer playing this Italian icon, Preti may be attempting to forge a relationship between his Italian heritage and the greatness of Homer.

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