Orpheus and Eurydice (recto); Figure Studies (verso)
1761
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1761
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting shows Orpheus reaching for Eurydice as she's pulled into Hades. He's holding a lute and there are snarling animals at his feet. The scene is chaotic and emotional. Orpheus is desperate to save his love. The quick drawing style suggests it was made on the spot. It might be a sketch of a painting Fragonard saw or an idea for his own work. To learn more about the artist's use of light and dark, look up the technique: chiaroscuro.
![Apollo and Studies of the Artist's Own Hand [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/ee93288e84456aea/thumb.webp)
