Orpheus and the Maenads Red-Figure Stamnos

Orpheus (center right) has fallen backward, his weight resting on his left hand. He raises his lyre with his right as if to defend himself. He is nude except for a wrapped around his left arm and shoulder and right hip. He looks up at a Maenad (center left) he is jabbing him in the chance with the end of a staff. She is holding Orpheus down by standing on his right thigh with her left foot. Flanking the pair on either side are two more Maenads raising rocks to throw at Orpheus.

Attic red-figure stamnos (two-handled jar) depicting Orpheus being attacked by Maenads. Discovered in central Italy. © 1994 GrandPalaisRmn (musée du Louvre) / Hervé Lewandowski

Online Resources
Musée du Louvre Cp 965
Subjects
Orpheus
Maenad
Type
Image
Agent
Hermonax
Date
ca. 470 BCE
Culture
Greek
Medium
terracotta
Dimensions
h. 31.2 cm; w. 32.7 cm; diameter 26.5 cm
Location
Musée du Louvre
Image Credit
© 1994 GrandPalaisRmn, Musée du Louvre, Hervé Lewandowski
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