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Orpheus Charming the Animals

Marcantonio Raimondic. 1505

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States

In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a singer and poet. He was given a lyre by Apollo, the god of music, and was taught to play by the Muses. His songs, melodiously accompanied by his instrument, were so beautiful that they pacified wild animals, calmed the seas, and animated trees and rocks. Here, a subdued bear is depicted in close proximity to a dog, and stones have gathered at the musician’s feet. The instrument depicted here is a lira da braccio, an instrument played by Leonardo da Vinci at the time when this engraving was made.

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  • Title: Orpheus Charming the Animals
  • Creator: Marcantonio Raimondi (Italian, 1470/82-1527/34)
  • Date Created: c. 1505
  • Physical Dimensions: Plate: 21.4 x 17.3 cm (8 7/16 x 6 13/16 in.)
  • Type: Print
  • Rights: CC0
  • External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1930.579
  • Medium: engraving
  • Department: Prints
  • Culture: Italy, 16th century
  • Credit Line: Dudley P. Allen Fund
  • Collection: PR - Engraving
  • Accession Number: 1930.579
The Cleveland Museum of Art

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