Orpheus and Eurydice

Nicolas Poussin

Created:
Movement:
1674
Classicism
key Notes:
Mythological narrative, Classical composition
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Dimensions:
47 1/2 x 70 3/4 in. (120.7 x 179.7 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Orpheus and Eurydice," painted by Nicolas Poussin in 1674, depicts the mythological moment when Orpheus attempts to retrieve his wife Eurydice from the underworld. This work exemplifies Poussin's mastery of classical themes and compositional clarity, reflecting the influence of Baroque aesthetics while adhering to the principles of rationality and order characteristic of his style.

Description of the work:

"Orpheus and Eurydice" by Nicolas Poussin, created in 1674, depicts the poignant moment of Orpheus's descent into the Underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice, rendered in oil on canvas. The composition is characterized by a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, with figures arranged in a dynamic yet harmonious manner, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the scene.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Orpheus and Eurydice