Orpheus and Eurydice Picture


Orpheus was the son of Apollo and the Muse of Music, Calliope. He was presented the lyre and taught to play it by his father. It was said that he played so beautifully that no one, human nor god, nor object could resist it.

One day, Orpheus' wife, Eurydice, was going for a walk when a shepherd was enamored by her beauty and decided to pursue her. She tried to ran away, and in so doing, she stepped on a snake, who, in vengeance, bit her foot. The poison from the bite killed her.

When Orpheus discovered the death of his love, he lamented for days and days and finally resolved to visit the Underworld to try and get her back to the land of the living. Beyond the Gates of Tartarus, and in the throneroom of Hades, Orpheus played his sorrowful music, and brought tears to the eyes of every shade. Even the Furies cried. Finally, Hades and Persephone allowed Orpheus to take Eurydice back, under the condition that he would lead her out of the Underworld, but all the while not looking upon her.

Orpheus led the way, but in his excitement he forgot the rule and glanced back to see if Eurydice was following. She vanished, and Orpheus had lost her once again.
The Roughness of an Idea
La Danaide
Orpheus and Eurydice
Cerberus: The guard of the Underworld!!!
Demeter - Painful Mother