Orpheus with Animals in a Landscape

The subject of this painting - Orpheus playing on his violin in the midst of animals - was portrayed frequently in the 17th century, probably because it offered the artist an opportunity to paint all kinds of animals. Close to Orpheus are the house pets and farm animals: dog and cat, horse and goat, peacock, chicken and a monkey. Somewhat farther away from him are the wild and exotic animals: dromedary, elephant, ostrich, parrot and two jaguars. Some of these beasts seem to have been painted from life.

You can view some depictions of Orpheus taming the animals.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 7 minutes): Cristoph Willibald Gluck: Orfeo, Act I, Orpheus' aria in G Major