Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus - 1905
by John William Waterhouse
Title
Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus - 1905
Artist
John William Waterhouse
Medium
Painting
Description
Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus - 1905, John William Waterhouse (6 April 1849 – 10 February 1917) : Orpheus was inconsolable at this second loss of his wife. He spurned the company of women and kept apart from ordinary human activities. A group of Ciconian Maenads, female devotees of Dionysus, came upon him one day as he sat singing beneath a tree. They attacked him, throwing rocks, branches, and anything else that came to hand. However, Orpheus' music was so beautiful that it charmed even inanimate objects, and the missiles refused to strike him. Finally, the Maenads' attacked him with their own hands, and tore him to pieces. Orpheus' head floated down the river, still singing, and came to rest on the isle of Lesbos.
Orpheus was also reputed to be the founder of the Orphic religious cult.
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July 14th, 2020
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