The Song of Orpheus.



This is one of Wright's most allegorical engravings showing Orpheus, the Greek god who played his lyre so beautifully that he charmed all of the animals in the forests and even caused rocks and trees to move. The artist has transposed the scene to the nineteenth century and made Orpheus a child and his instrument a flute. The seated figure is Shakespeare's "life's poor player" who wants the beautiful tune to continue. Among the listeners are the artist, his wife and his new born baby daughter. His largest and most ambitious deep-bite etching, it took almost two years to complete.

Detail



The section of the plate showing the trees. Sanguine, drawing study of Avenging Angel. A study for the figure of the jester.


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