ORPHEUS AND ORPHISM: MYSTERY RELIGIONS IN ROMAN TIMES 357
Orpheus, Eurydice, and Hermes. Marble relief, Roman copy of a Greek original of the fifth
century B.c.; height 46V2 in. This panel was originally part of a parapet placed around
the Altar of the Twelve Gods in the Agora at Athens. It shows the moment when
Orpheus has looked back at Eurydice and they part forever. Hermes Psychopompos has
his hand on Eurydice's wrist, ready to lead her back to the Underworld—a poignant con-
trast with the tender placement of Eurydice's left hand on her husband's shoulder. The
names of the figures appear above them, Orpheus' being written right to left. (Museo
Nazionale, Naples. Photograph Corbis-Bettmann.)