Orpheus and Eurydice

Louis Hersent was best known for his portrayals of the upper class, as well as occasional Classical subjects. While later states of this print include the title Ruben and Bala, referring to the Old Testament figure Ruben’s seduction of his father’s significantly older concubine, the scene is more mythological than biblical. The lyre suggests that the lithograph should be interpreted as an image of the young love of Orpheus, son of Apollo, and his muse, Eurydice, whose affectionate playfulness keeps him from practicing his music. Later, refusing to accept Eurydice’s tragic death, he played in vain for her soul to be released from Hades.