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

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.