Greek mythology tells that during one of his voyages, Odysseus was returning home with his men when they became trapped in the cave of Polyphemus, on the island of the Cyclopes—modern-day Sicily. To escape and prevent the giant ogre from continuing to devour his men, Odysseus cleverly got the Cyclops drunk on wine, causing him to reveal his true name.

When the Cyclops fell into a deep sleep, Odysseus took an olive branch and drove it into the Cyclops’ single eye, leaving him completely blind and in agony.

Venetian and Persian roses transport the Cyclops onto my canvas.

Whites, speckled with gold, defend him from his monsters.