JOSEPH EDGAR BOEHM | EURYDICE

"In Greek mythology, the nymph Eurydice was the wife of Orpheus. Eurydice died suddenly after being bitten by a viper and descended into the Underworld. Orpheus followed her there and, using his music-making skills, pleaded with the god Hades to let his wife return with him. Hades granted his request, but with the condition that Orpheus must not look back at Eurydice during their ascent. Tragically, just as they were about to reach the safety of daylight, Orpheus turned to gaze at his wife, and she was lost to him forever. Boehm's marble shows Eurydice in the unwitting moment before her death, with a serpent twisted around her ankle."