Descida de Orfeu aos Infernos (Orpheus in the Underworld)

Orfeu tentou recuperar a sua amada no mundo dos mortos. Convenceu Caronte a transporta-lo na sua barca para o outro lado do rio Estige. Com a sua música adormeceu Cérbero, cão de três cabeças, guarda da entrada dos infernos. Hades, deus dos mortos, e Perséfone, sua mulher, atenderam o seu desejo desde que não olhasse para trás. Perdeu-a perto da saída por não cumprir a promessa. Criou o Orfismo, ou serviço de aconselhamento, mas não conseguia resolver os seus próprios problemas.


Orpheus tried to retrieve his beloved from the underworld. He persuaded Charon to carry him in his boat across the river Styx. With the power of his music he forced Cerberus, the three-headed dog, guardian of the entrance to the underworld, to fall asleep. Hades, god of the dead, and Persephone, his wife, would comply with Orpheus’s wish provided that he did not look back. He lost Eurydice near the exit for not fulfilling the promise. He created the Orphism, or counseling service, but could not solve his own problems.

Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796-1875)-'Orpheus leading Eurydice from the underworld'-oil on canvas-1861 Houston (Texas)-Museum of Fine Art

Jean Restout II (1692-1768)-'Orpheus in the underworld reclaiming Eurydice'-oil on canvas-1763 Paris-Musée du Louvre

François Perrier (ca 1600-1650)-'Orpheus before Pluto and Proserpine'-oilon canvas Paris-Musée du Louvre

Pieter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)-'Orpheus leads Eurydice out of the Hades'-oil on canvas-1635 Madrid-Museo del Prado

Jan Velvet Brueghel, the elder (1568-1622)-'Orpheus in the underworld'-oil on copper Firenze-Palazzo Pitti (Galeria Palatina)