The Death of Orpheus c. 1870

Henri Lévy's "The Death of Orpheus" (c. 1870) depicts the tragic end of the legendary musician, Orpheus. The painting showcases a dramatic, yet somber scene of Orpheus's lifeless body lying on a rocky shore with his lyre beside him. As he drifts away in the tumultuous waves, a halo of light appears, highlighting the tragic circumstances of his death. This Romantic-era painting exemplifies the artist's interest in classical mythology and the power of storytelling through visual art. The use of muted colors and a dramatic composition evoke a sense of loss and sorrow, encapsulating the enduring power of Orpheus's myth.