Antique Painting Orpheus Enchants The Animals Oil On Board '700

Oil on panel. 18th-century Northern European School. The horizontally arranged scene depicts the myth of Orpheus, son of Apollo, who received a lyre from his father with which he tamed wild animals, moved rocks, and bent trees. The tale is known from Virgil's Georgics and Ovid's Metamorphoses: a symbol of the civilizing power of art, it is a popular subject in European art. Orpheus is depicted in the center, sitting on a rock among trees, playing the lyre. On the sides are numerous animals of various breeds coming toward him, from natural environments near and far, including exotic animals (an elf, lions, a llama, etc.), and, on the right edge, a fantastical beast, the unicorn. In the background is a stream with a city on the shore; on the left, on the hill, a small temple, probably dedicated to the god Apollo. The painting has been restored in the past. It is presented in a period gilded frame.

The item is in good condition, with minor signs of wear. We try to present the item's actual condition as accurately as possible with the photos. If any details are unclear from the photos, the description will apply.