Orpheus and Eurydice 1882 - 1893

Auguste Rodin crafted this sculpture of Orpheus and Eurydice in marble, immortalizing a pivotal moment from Greek myth. Here, Orpheus leads Eurydice from the underworld, yet he cannot resist the fateful glance back. The averted gaze is a potent symbol, echoing through art history as a motif of loss and regret. We see it in countless depictions of the Fall, where Adam and Eve turn away from the divine. This gesture transcends mere narrative; it speaks to our collective unconscious, a primal fear of irreversible loss. Rodin masterfully captures this psychological drama, the tension between desire and obedience. The rough, unfinished marble adds another layer, symbolizing the incomplete nature of their escape and the enduring pain of separation. This raw emotionality, rooted in ancient myth, remains a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.