Expert: Irulan Serena - 1/8/2006

Question
I am doing an essay for my first year of uni comparing the relief of orpheus, eurydice and hermes on the altar of the twelve gods from the athenian agora with a painting on the same subject my george frederick watts. i was wondering whether you knew any more in depth infomation about the relief i am looking at? there doesnt seem to be much infomation in books and i've searched high and low!  

Answer
Hello CAtherine Rose,

There is not much information about this sculpture which is part of a larger body of sculptures, as far as the artist who created it, however, here is some information.

ORPHEUS, EURYDICE AND HERMES
Roman copy of a Greek original. Marble relief. 5th Century B.C. (c. 420-400 B.C.) In the Museum of Naples.

There is another copy of this statuary in France.
Collection:   Paris, Musée du Louvre

        
Title:   Three-figure Group with Orpheus

        
Subject:   Orpheus, Eurydice and Hermes

        
Class:   Architectural      
Material:   Marble
Date:   ca. 410 B.C. - 400 B.C.   Period:   High Classical

Style:   High Classical

Associated Building:   Athens, Altar of the 12 Gods
  
Original/Copy:   Original      
Part of:   Sculpture from the Altar of the Twelve Gods
  
Technique:   Low relief
        
Dimensions:   H. 1.22 m, W 0.90 m
     
The relief portrays Orpheus, Eurydice and the messenger god, Hermes, holding Eurydice's hand, ready to escort her back to the realm of Hades.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Irulan