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Prince Albert used photography to document exhibitions and works of art

Francis Bedford (1815-94)

Works of Art Exhibited at Marlborough House, 1854: Silver Chasing 1854

Albumen print | 7.5 x 10.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2800170

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Photograph of a rectangular silver plaque depicting the 'skinning', or flaying alive, of the satyr Marsyas. Marsyas is tied to a tree stump, towards the centre of the plaque. A male attendant kneels beside Marsyas, and places a knife near his feet. Midas, King of Phrygia is seated on the right side of the plaque, with an attendant. Apollo is seated with a lyre on the left side of the plaque, accompanied by Hermes and Heracles.

The plaque decpits the story of Marsyas and Apollo. Marsyas challenged the god Apollo to a musical contest. The winner could treat the loser in whatever way they pleased. When Marsyas lost, Apollo chose to flay him alive as punishment for challenging a god.
  • Creator(s)

    View person page

    Francis Bedford (1815-94) (photographer)

  • 7.5 x 10.7 cm (image)

  • 'Silver Chasing'

  • Commissioned by Henry Cole. Later acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
    Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Greater London [England]
              • London [Greater London]
                • City of Westminster
                  • Marlborough House [London]
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Chemistry
        • Metals
          • Silver
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Military engineering
          • Arms (weapons)
            • Knife blades
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Religions of antiquity
          • Classical mythology
            • Apollo (myth)
            • Midas
            • Marsyas (myth)
            • Hermes (myth)
            • Hercules