Orpheus

The story of Orpheus is told by Ovid in his 'Metamorphoses' (X, 180-182; XI, 1-3). Orpheus had the power to enchant with his music not only all living creatures, but also the trees and the rocks. He should be playing a lyre, not the violin he is shown playing here. The animals around him include at the left, lions, a pelican, an ostrich and a buffalo, and at the right an elephant, a camel and parrots.

Savery, who was a landscape and flower painter, was born in Flanders but as a child moved with his parents to Amsterdam. His landscapes with their meticulous detailing and brilliant colours betray a strong Flemish influence.