Orpheus tries to hold on to Eurydice c. 1791

François Gérard’s "Orpheus tries to hold on to Eurydice" (c. 1791) depicts the tragic Greek myth of Orpheus's journey to the underworld to retrieve his deceased wife, Eurydice. The artwork captures the moment Orpheus turns back to look at Eurydice, breaking the agreement with the gods and losing her forever. The use of dark tones and contrasting lights creates a sense of drama and impending loss, as the figures fade into the shadowy underworld. This Neoclassical work showcases Gérard's skill in conveying human emotion through precise details and dramatic composition.