-
500 BCE
Circulation of the myth spreads internationally.
By the 5th century, the Orpheus and Eurydice story had spread via oral stories outside of Rome. This tapestry is from Ancient Egypt. It is clear that the figures are Orpheus and Eurydice due to the lyre in between the two and the flowers surrounding the female, almost in a commemorative style. -
43 BCE
Ovid's Birthday!
Ovid is born. He would later write the famous "Metamorphoses". While this may not be the first time the Orpheus and Eurydice story was told orally, it is the first text that historians have found with such details. -
19 BCE
The Iconic Phrase
The phrase "ereptae coniuge" ("the stolen bride") spreads out of the works of Ovid into Ancient Roman love elegy, most notably in the works of Lygdamus. The phrase, which originally referred only to Eurydice (who was stolen by death) now applies to any lover who faces mortality. -
Christian Gottlieb Kratzenstein-Stub produces painting.
This variation shows a very detailed and anthropocentric expression of the myth. Surrounded by darkness, the two lovers stand out the most. Note the sunlight coming from the top right hand corner, showing exactly how close Orpheus was to succeeding - a permanent taunt. -
Orpheus and Cerberus by Thomas Crawford, 1843.
This gorgeous sculpture, which can be seen in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, seeks to portray the bravery or Orpheus. In fact, it focuses on this so intensely that Eurydice is not even pictured. -
Victorian Art Exhibition Shows Ancient-Inspired Art
Classically inspired art pieces were very popular in Britain. In 1869, this famous painting by George Frederick Watts was debuted in the summer exhibition of the Royal Academy. -
1998: The Myth on the Big Screen
The 1998 film "What Dreams May Come" has many parallel themes with the original myth (a heartbroken lover descends to the depths of hell to save their partner). This movie has a significantly more positive ending than the original tale! -
The Jim Henson Company's Mini-Film
The Jim Henson Company produced a mini-series called "The Storyteller: Greek Myths" and targeted it to 'tweens and teenagers. The show has since been digitized and is available for free on Youtube. It is relatively engaging and has many views. Click here to see the film -
Social Change: Tattoo (2014)
This image is of a matching couple tattoo by Sergio Zamora. It shows how the story is still as relevant and emotional as it always has been, especially considering it is on someone's body! -
Modern Sketch: "Orfeo ed Euridice" (2015)
Contemporary artist Bautars takes artistic liberty with the Orpheus and Eurydice story. She is still portrayed as compliant, as she is behind him with an obscured face.
