In his Odyssey, Homer tells how Odysseus makes his escape from the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus after he is trapped there with his men, of whom the giant kills six for food (IX:177–566). Armed with a club, Odysseus offers Polyphemus the wine of Maron and tells him his name is “Nobody.” After Polyphemus loses consciousness, Odysseus and his men poke out his single eye. The giant cries out for help to his fellow Cyclops, but claiming to be attacked by “Nobody,” none come to his rescue. The next morning, when the giant moves the great rock blocking the exit to let out his sheep, Odysseus and his men slip past him by binding themselves to the bellies of the beasts. The artist of the present canvas chose to depict the moment of greatest suspense and danger: Odysseus, stick in hand, its tip still glowing hot from the fire, creeps up toward the slumped Polyphemus, his eyes squinting as he calculates the right moment to strike.