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Orpheus and Eurydice (recto); Figure Studies (verso)
Jean-Honoré Fragonardc. 1761
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
Quick drawings could serve a variety of purposes, and it is not always clear today why an artist created a particular sketch. This one may record a painting Fragonard saw during a journey to Italy, or capture an idea he was considering for a painting of his own. Orpheus, identified by the lute, grasps for his love Eurydice as she is pulled down into Hades. The snarling animals near his feet may represent Cerberus, the multiheaded guard dog of the underworld.
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Details
- Title: Orpheus and Eurydice (recto); Figure Studies (verso)
- Creator: Jean-Honoré Fragonard (French, 1732-1806)
- Date Created: c. 1761
- Physical Dimensions: Sheet: 28.9 x 22.7 cm (11 3/8 x 8 15/16 in.)
- Type: Drawing
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/2009.152
- Medium: Black and gray chalks on cream laid paper
- Department: Drawings
- Culture: France, 18th century
- Credit Line: Gift of Joseph F. McCrindle
- Collection: DR - French
- Accession Number: 2009.152
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