Paul Manship, Standing Orpheus with Pegasus, ca. 1932, gilded bronze on marble base, 11 3⁄8 x 4 1⁄8 x 3 1⁄4 in. (29.0 x 10.6 x 8.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.78
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Standing Orpheus with Pegasus
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1932
- Location
- Dimensions
- 11 3⁄8 x 4 1⁄8 x 3 1⁄4 in. (29.0 x 10.6 x 8.4 cm)
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Paul Manship
- Mediums Description
- gilded bronze on marble base
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Figure male — nude
- Performing arts — music — lute
- Figure male — full length
- Mythology — classical — Orpheus
- Mythology — classical — Pegasus
- Object Number
- 1966.47.78
Artwork Description
In Greek mythology the musician Orpheus played the lyre so beautifully that wild animals grew tame, and rocks and trees listened. When his wife, Eurydice, was killed by a snake bite, Orpheus went down to the underworld to rescue her. His music was so bewitching that he was given permission to take Eurydice back with him, but only if he did not look at her on the journey. He could not resist just one glance, however, and Eurydice was taken from him a second time. This sculpture shows Orpheus, his arms raised in grief, with the winged horse Pegasus.