Orpheus and Eurydice

Artist George Frederick Watts (London, England, 1817 - 1904)

Date1872

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsHeight: 71.8 cm, Width: 48.1 cm
Frame Size: 97 x 73 x 5.5cm
Glass: 715 x 485cm

AcquisitionAlexander Macdonald Bequest, 1901.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Loan

Object numberABDAG003030

Keywords

About MeAccording to Greek legend, Orpheus the poet married Eurydice, a wood nymph. At Eurydice's death Hades gave Orpheus permission to rescue her from the underworld on condition that he did not look back at her until they reached the upper world.

In the painting Eurydice is dying because Orpheus disobeyed Hades. The lines of her body, dress and hair point limply downwards to symbolise her death and she is contrasted by the vigorous Orpheus.

Watts experimented with a new technique at this time. Oil paint was partially dried out and rubbed onto the canvas with a blunt object. This gave a granular appearance, very different from conventional brushed on methods.

More About Me

Collections Wall

An effective portrayal of the overwhelming tragedy and sadness of lost love with the death of Eurydice due to Orpheus' disobedience, as emphasised by the contrasting colours and tones of the two figures.