Orpheus and Eurydice

This painting is a work called "Orpheus and Eurydice" that Peter Paul Rubens painted in 1636-1638.

The original of this painting is currently kept in the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain. As a Flemish Baroque artist, Peter Paul Rubens was famous for his extravagant Baroque style that emphasized movement, color, and sensuality. This painting is well known as one of his outstanding mythical and allegorical themes.

In the painting, Orpheus is depicted descending into the fiery Underworld to save Eurydice. Pluto and Proserpina, the god and goddess of the Underworld, are seated on the right podium, warning Orpheus not to look back. Next to them sits Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the hell. The vivid portrayal of Orpheus, whose eyes are set on Eurydice but is struggling not to look back, is depicted very well.

In order to express these vivid and sensual details, Peter Paul Rubens reportedly referenced many ancient works to create this painting. The figure of Pluto is based on the image of Michelangelo recorded in Italy, and also the actions of Eurydice are believed to be based on an ancient work of sculpture.