PIERRE AMÉDÉE MARCEL-BERONNEAU; "ORPHEUS IN HADES," 1897

PIERRE AMÉDÉE MARCEL-BERONNEAU; "ORPHEUS IN HADES," 1897

The artwork depicts the famed musician Orpheus following his journey into the underworld. He is depicted standing nude, adorned with a laurel wreath, representing his talent in poetry and music. He possesses a beautifully crafted lyre, believed to enchant all creatures and even lifeless items. The backdrop is filled with dark shapes and silhouettes, symbolizing the souls of Hades, enchanted by Orpheus melodies.

Orpheus ventured into Hades after the sorrowful demise of his wife, Eurydice, who had been bitten by a serpent. Overcome by sorrow, he tried to retrieve her from the afterlife. Equipped with his lyre and remarkable musical skills, Orpheus captivated the keepers of the underworld, such as Cerberus, and obtained a meeting with Hades and Persephone. His heartfelt music compelled them to give him an opportunity to retrieve Eurydice, on the condition that he must not glance back at her until they were back on the surface. Orpheus almost succeeds, but in the end, he looks back and loses her forever.

Critics lauded the artwork for its striking composition and the moving depiction of Orpheus's sorrowful quest. Nonetheless, like many artworks from this era, it also encountered criticism from traditionalists who favoured more classical depictions. Over time, Marcel-Beronneau's interpretation has been acknowledged for its distinctive emotional depth and its role in the continual exploration of the Orpheus myth within art and literature.