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Orpheus and the Animals

A painting showing a range of real and mythological animals enchanted to a man on the left side playing a stringed instrument

Orpheus and the Animals by Paulus Potter, Public Domain

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Intro

Museum's Description

Teacher notes
- Orpheus was a legendary musician in Ancient Greek mythology. The music he played with his lyre (a stringed instrument similar to a harp) was so enchanting that he was able to charm all living things. In this painting, he has charmed all sorts of animals - including some mythological ones. See if you can spot them.
  
  Things to think about...
  - How many real animals can you spot and how many imaginary ones are there?
  - Why do you think the artist might have included imaginary animals?
  - Do you know any other stories about Orpheus?
- Orpheus a character from Greek mythology, you can find out more about the Ancient Greeks and their culture with Show Me's Topic Guide.
  
  Students can explore more mythical creatures in this Make a Mythical Creature activity.
- The Classical poet Ovid described how Orpheus en-chanted nature with his wonderful lyre music. This theme was popular among 17th-century animal painters because it gave them a chance to depict many different sorts of animals. Here Potter demonstrates that his repertoire encompassed more than the usual farm animals. He painted dozens of native and exotic beasts. In the middle Orpheus is strumming his harp.