Death of Orpheus, Red-Figure Amphora

Orpheus (right) flees a Maenad (left). He turns back to look at the Maenad, raising his lyre with his left hand as if to swing it at the Maenad. He is nude except for a himation wrapped around his left shoulder and around his hips. The Maenad strides toward Orpheus, left foot forward. In her right hand she holds a sword, her left reaches forward as if to grab Orpheus. She wears a peplos and has several V-shaped designs painted on her bare arms. Her hair is loose and curly.

Attic red-figure amphora depicting a Maenad attacking Orpheus. Discovered in Nola, Italy. © GrandPalaisRmn (musée du Louvre) / Hervé Lewandowski.

Online Resources
Musée du Louvre MNB 1702
Subjects
Orpheus
Maenad
Type
Image
Agent
The Phiale Painter
Date
ca. 445/440 BCE
Culture
Greek
Medium
terracotta
Dimensions
h. 32.5 cm; w. 18 cm; diameter 17.4 cm
Location
Musée du Louvre
Image Credit
© GrandPalaisRmn, Musée du Louvre, Hervé Lewandowski
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