Orpheus confronted by Cerberus

ca. 1625-1650 · Statuette · 10 × 10 cm

Can I see it?

Not on view at present

Where is “Orpheus confronted by Cerberus” now? Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Not on view at present. Checked September 25, 2026.

Victoria and Albert Museum

London, United Kingdom

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked: 16 days ago
In this state since: Sep 25, 2026
Source: The museum

On the map Museum page

About the sculpture

This bronze statuette, representing the story of Orpheus, is made by the workshop of Francesoco Fanelli, in the 17th century.

According to Roman mythology Orpheus, the legendary poet famous for his lyre playing, persuaded Pluto to allow him to bring his dead wife back from the underworld on condition that he did not look back until they had returned. Finally, he glanced back and she disappeared for ever. The three-headed dog, Cerberus, guards the entrance to the underworld.

Read on

Franceso Fanelli (1577- ca. 1641) was first documented in Genoa in 1608, where, until about 1631, he produced religious works in marble, silver, ivory and bronze. By 1635, he was working at the English court. Although he described himself 'sculptor to the King of Great Britain', it is unclear whether this title was officially conferred. The V&A owns versions of several small bronzes by 'ffrancisco the one-eyed Italian' listed in an inventory of Whitehall Palace in 1639. George Vertue stated that Fanelli 'lv'd and dyd in England'; he is last documented in 1641 and believed to have died soon after.

Victoria and Albert Museum