Standing Orpheus with Pegasus

Copied 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

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
Mediums Description
gilded bronze on marble base
Classifications
Subjects
  • Mythology — classical — Orpheus
  • Mythology — classical — Pegasus
  • Performing arts — music — lute
  • Figure male — full length
  • Figure male — nude
Object Number
1966.47.78
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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.