Art In The Masses

Homer and the Riddle of the Lice

Passerotti, an Italian mannerist painter, was known for his intersections of classical themes and genres with earthy twists and aspects of grotesque humor.

A scene of the late Renaissance, this painting depicts Homer (believed to be painted with Passerotti's own features) on the shore of Ios approached by a fisherman's boat. In conversation, Homer inquires about the quality of the fisherman's catch, to which they needlessly reply with a riddle:

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"What we caught, we threw away, what we didn't catch, we kept” 

(ὅσσ’ ἕλομεν λιπόμεσθ’, / ὅσσ’ ούχ ἔλομεν φερόμεσθα)

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According to ancient Grecian anecdote, poet and legend Homer went mad trying to guess the answer, and eventually died in his frenzy and frustration.

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The answer was lice. The fisherman had all suffered the ill transmission, and were scarcely able to shake the condition throughout their voyage.