Orpheus and Eurydice
Orpheus and Eurydice - Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) - Prado Museum
Date: 1636-38
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 196.5 x 247.5 cm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 196.5 x 247.5 cm
Peter Paul Rubens painted Orpheus and Eurydice, as an oil on canvas composition, between 1636 and 1638, and depicts an event spoken of in Greek mythology.
Orpheus was a legendary hero who had married the beautiful Eurydice. Eurydice though was killed by a poisonous snake and was taken to the Underworld. Orpheus would descend to the realm of Hades, and play his lyre with such skill and beauty that Persephone persuaded Hades to release Eurydice. The journey to the upper world went smoothly until Orpheus prematurely looked back for his wife, and as a consequence Eurydice was lost to him once again. More information about Orpheus can be found here - (website opens in new window) Peter Paul Rubens |
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Born: 28 June 1577; Siegen, Germany
Died: 30 May 1640; Antwerp, Belgium
Nationality: Flemish
Art Movement: Baroque
Painting School: Flemish School, Antwerp School
Died: 30 May 1640; Antwerp, Belgium
Nationality: Flemish
Art Movement: Baroque
Painting School: Flemish School, Antwerp School