Eurydice Eurydice

High relief of Eurydice, clad in her himation.

This relief depicts Eurydice, the beloved wife of Orpheus, The beautiful maiden - or, according to some myths, the beautiful nymph - is here depicted with her himation pulled over her head and around her neck, while her face exudes an almost stoic calmness. Her wavy locks, slightly visible under her himation, are worn low over her brow, while her straight nose, full lips and rounded chin are all hallmarks of the classical Greek concept of beauty.

Euyrdice is a work in natural scale sculpted in high relief, with the female head projecting more than half of its natural circumference from the background, thus allowing for detailed views of the front and side of the composition. When viewed from the side, in particular, one appreciates the depth of projection from the background and the degree of the sculptor's craftsmanship: the realistic curvature of the eye, cheekbone and chin blend seamlessly into the background from whence the form emerges, imbuing Eurydice with a regal poise that is exemplary of Sofialakis' unique style of classical realism.

The Eurydice relief is characterized by a smoothness and softness that is otherworldly, with the crystalline surface of the marble projecting an ethereal glow; yet this contrasts starkly with the rough, almost harsh texture of the natural medium that seems to jut out of the plinth below. The Pentelic marble bears traces of oxidation on the surface in the form of faint, golden streaks which become deeper and wider in texture and color nearest the plinth. Sofialakis, known for working within the contours of the natural medium with respect for the natural lines of the marble, maximizes the "emerging" effect of Eurydice, both as a figure, projecting from the background, and as a Form, projecting from the stone.