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Image Not Available for Orpheus Instructing in Theology and the Arts of Social Life
Orpheus Instructing in Theology and the Arts of Social Life
Image Not Available for Orpheus Instructing in Theology and the Arts of Social Life

Orpheus Instructing in Theology and the Arts of Social Life

Artist (1741 - 1806)
Date1791
MediumEngraving on paper
Dimensions43.7 x 53.3 cm
ClassificationsPrint
Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery.
Object number1150
DescriptionThis intaglio print (engraving) shows a classical Greek scene. The central figure, Orpheus, the mythical Greek musician and poet, the strains of whose lyre were said to be able to move rocks and trees, is sitting on a rock pointing towards the sky with hid right hand. His left hand holds a lyre, which is resting on his left knee. Orpheus is surrounded by a group of primitive men with their women and children, all listening intently to the words of Orpheus. The landscape in the background has all the typical features of an Arcadian scene, to create the sense of an ideal region of rural contentment: wild white horses running, swans in a lake, wispy clouds floating amoung jagged mountains and a lion on a hill looking down at humans feeding and milking a goat. A more detailed and indepth description is given in the description of Object Number: 1185.02, which shows an identical image. The description is taken from the bound version of Barry's Etchings (Object Number: 1185)and printed on the page opposite the actual print.
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