Dood van Orpheus 1724

"Dood van Orpheus" (Death of Orpheus) is an etching by Bernard Picart, created in 1724 and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The image depicts the tragic demise of Orpheus, a legendary musician from Greek mythology, at the hands of frenzied Maenads, also known as Bacchantes. This dramatic scene captures the moment of Orpheus's death, surrounded by the violent chaos of the Maenads' frenzy. The intricate details of the etching, including the figures' expressions and the landscape setting, contribute to the powerful and emotional impact of the work.