Orpheus And eurydice 1596 - 1597

Guido Reni's "Orpheus and Eurydice" (1596-1597) depicts the Greek myth of Orpheus's journey to the underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice. The Baroque painter utilizes dramatic chiaroscuro, a technique which creates a sense of depth, to portray the couple. Orpheus, a musician, is shown with a lyre in his hand, while Eurydice's expression suggests she is hesitant, perhaps fearful of breaking the pact with Hades that required Orpheus not to look back. The painting is a testament to Reni's mastery of form and composition, and it remains a popular example of Baroque art.