Orpheus charming the animal kingdom

Orpheus charming the animal kingdom

According to Greek myth, Orpheus played the lyre with such magical sweetness that he charmed the animals, birds, and reptiles that gathered around him, subduing their innate hostilities.

In many paintings Orpheus sits in the center  focused on his music, while around him birds, frogs lizards crouch at his feet, and horses, dogs, rams, and deers draw near.

This example is from the

 17th.century,

By Benedetto Gennari II,

Italian,

1633-1715