Denis, MauriceFrench, 1870–1943Orpheus and Eurydice
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Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a poet and musician whose lyre could charm all who heard him play. In this scene, his wife, Eurydice, falls to her knees, transfixed by his song. Like many Symbolist artists, Maurice Denis explored the power of music as a theme in his art, and he was fascinated by the tragic tale of Orpheus, who followed his wife to the underworld after her death. His sorrowful music convinced the gods to allow Eurydice to return to earth, so long as Orpheus walked in front of her and did not look back until they reached the upper world. But the lovestruck Orpheus looked back too soon and Eurydice vanished forever.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Particulars
- Accession number
- 68.1
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — © Minneapolis Institute of Art
Meanwhile, in the life of Denis, Maurice
The whole life1908
Morozov's commission: "The Story of Psyche" panels
He began a major decorative project for the Russian collector Ivan Morozov — the "Story of Psyche" panels for the music salon of his Moscow mansion; the cycle is now in the Hermitage.
1908–1921
Employed by: Académie Ranson
1909
Trip to Moscow to install "The Story of Psyche"
He traveled to Moscow to install the "Story of Psyche" panel series at the patron's home.
1909
Began teaching at the Académie Ranson
He began teaching painting at the Académie Ranson in Paris; his students included Tamara de Lempicka.
11 August 1909
Son born: Dominique Denis
1912
The book "Théories"
He published "Théories," a collection of essays tracing the path of art "from Symbolism and Gauguin toward a new classical order"; the book was widely read and exerted a significant influence on young artists.
