Reliëf met Hermes, Orpheus en Eurydice in het Museo Nazionale te Napels 1896

This relief in the Museo Nazionale in Naples depicts Hermes leading Orpheus and Eurydice. Although its creator is unknown, the work presents a powerful rendition of a tragic love story from Greek mythology, reflecting the cultural values of the time. The relief captures a pivotal moment where Orpheus, a musician, attempts to lead his wife Eurydice from the underworld. Hermes, as a psychopomp, guides them, but the narrative is tinged with loss; Orpheus tragically looks back, violating the conditions of his agreement with Hades, thus losing Eurydice forever. This narrative subtly reflects the patriarchal structures of ancient Greek society, where the agency and fate of women were often determined by the actions and desires of men. The emotional weight of the scene lies in Eurydice’s obscured face, which invites reflection on the powerlessness of women and the consequences of male decisions. The relief serves not just as a depiction of a myth, but as a mirror reflecting historical power dynamics and the enduring impact of choices made within unequal relationships.