The Day Dream

In this scene from Greek mythology, Orpheus is shown at the moment he turns back to look at Eurydice, causing her to be lost to the underworld forever. Orpheus clutches his lyre on the left while Eurydice reaches out in despair as she begins to fade back toward the seated figures of Pluto and Proserpina. Behind the divine couple stands Mercury, the guide of souls, holding his serpent-entwined staff.

Orpheus was a central figure in the Western esoteric tradition, regarded by Renaissance Neoplatonists like Marsilio Ficino as a primary source of the 'prisca theologia' or ancient divine wisdom. His story serves as an allegory for the power of music and harmony to influence the soul and bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds.