Ulysses and the Sirens
A variant on the neo-classical tradition of the late Victorian era, Draper's pictures often had a nautical theme; he was particularly fond of painting nymphs and mermaids. The subject of the Ferens' painting is taken from Greek legend, as described in Homer's Odyssey, the epic poem describing the adventures of Ulysses (Odysseus) on his journey home from Troy. Ulysses and his men had to sail past rocks where sirens sang, tempting sailors to their doom. To overcome the temptation, Ulysses ordered his crew to plug their ears and keep rowing, whilst he tied himself to the ship's mast. The image of the temptress frequently occurs in late Victorian art, often as little more than an excuse for eroticism.
