Orpheus and Eurydice (after George Frederic Watts, R.A., H.R.C.A. 1817 - 1904). 1889. Mezzotint. Hardie 54.12 5/8 x 19 1/2 (sheet 17 1/8 x 23 3/ 8). Edition 300. A rich proof printed on Japon paper. Exhibited in 1889 at the Exposition Universelle, Paris, where it was awarded a gold medal. Signed in pencil by Watts, Short, and by the printer, Frederick Goulding. Housed in a 23 1/4 x 29-inch champagne gold leaf frame. $1,750.
Watts treated the subject of 'Orpheus and Eurydice' twice; once in vertical and once in horizontal format. The original of this image is in the Tate Gallery, London.
Orpheus' wife, Eurydice, while fleeing from Aristaeus (son of Apollo), ran into a nest of snakes that bit her fatally on her heel. Distraught, Orpheus played such sad songs and sang so mournfully that all the nymphs and gods wept. On their advice, Orpheus traveled to the underworld and by his music softened the hearts of Hades and Persephone. They agreed to allow Eurydice to return with him to earth on one condition: he should walk in front of her and not look back until
An extensive collection of works by Sir Frank Short is available on the Allinson Gallery, Inc. website.
