Orpheo 2

Artist Stephen Mueller (American, 1947 - 2011)

Date2010

MediumAcrylic on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 50 x 60in. (127 x 152.4cm)

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Credit Line75th Anniversary Acquisition. Gift of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York; Hassam, Speicher, Betts, and Symons Funds, 2011

Object number2011.12

On View

On view

Collections

21st-Century Paintings

Label TextIn classical mythology Orpheus was considered such a sensitive musician, he could soothe gods, man, and beasts, and cause trees and rocks to dance. His is also a story of tragic lost love. His beautiful wife, Eurydice, was bitten by a viper and died shortly after their marriage. Orpheus traveled to the underworld to retrieve her and nearly won her back to life, but at the last minute, she slipped, and in trying to help her, Orpheus lost her forever. As a metaphor for the power of music Orpheus’ story has inspired composers since the early 17th century, from Monteverdi to Gluck, and Offenbach to Glass. Mary E. Murray Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art