This marble relief, in the Villa Albani, Naples, is a fine illustration
of one of the leading principles of Greek art--extreme moderation in
the expression of passion. The greatest grief is most delicately yet
most intensely expressed by a few voiceless gestures.
Orpheus, guided by Mercury, is leading Eurydice back from Hades.
Contrary to his contract, he turns with irresistible longing to look at
her before they are entirely past the portals. Eurydice lovingly puts
her hand on his shoulder. But now their parting must come. Orpheus’
bitterness at his fate is expressed by his hand, which moves toward the
hand of his beloved. Mercury, sad and pitying, takes her by the other
hand to lead her again “down the darkling ways.”
[Illustration]
Bacchus.
“The God of Many Names.”
“_The jolly god in triumph comes;
Sound the trumpets, beat the drums;
Flushed with a purple grace
He shows his honest face;
Now give the hautboys breath: he comes, he comes,
Bacchus, ever fair and young._”
--DRYDEN.