Orpheus and Eurydice 1802

"Orpheus and Eurydice" is a drawing by Gaetano Gandolfi, completed in 1802, just before the artist's death. The drawing depicts the Greek myth of Orpheus, who descends into the underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice. The figures are rendered in expressive, loose lines, characteristic of Gandolfi's style, creating a sense of drama and urgency. The use of chiaroscuro, the contrast of light and shadow, enhances the emotional intensity of the scene, drawing the viewer into the heart of the narrative. The drawing is an excellent example of Gandolfi's talent for capturing the human form and translating the power of classical mythology into a visually compelling composition.