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Vatican Frescoes

Vatican Frescoes

FRANÇOIS FORSTER (1790-1872)

Head of a muse [from 'The Parnassus']

dated 1842

Engraving | 40.1 x 29.6 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 852464

A print reproducing the head and shoulders of the third standing muse to the left of Apollo in the fresco of the Parnassus, painted by Raphael in c.1510-11 in the Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican. The figure is surrounded by a fictive frame. Proof lacking identification of the figure and provenance of the work. Lettered with production details. Stamped with the publisher's blind stamp (Lugt 4210).

In the final state of the engraving, the figure is described as Melpomene, the muse of tragedy. This identification is still regarded as the most plausible.
  • Creator(s)

    François Forster (1790-1872) (engraver)

    After Raphael (1483-1520) (artist)

    Bernard Duvivier (1762-1837) (designer)

    Chardon Ainé et Aze (printer)

    Veith & Hauser: 11 Boulevard des Italiens, Paris (publisher)

  • 40.1 x 29.6 cm (sheet of paper)

  • Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)

  • Subject(s)
    • Geography
      • Physiography
        • Mountains
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Religions of antiquity
          • Classical mythology
            • Muses
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Mount Parnassus [Greece]
        • Italy
          • Lazio [Italy]
            • Rome [Lazio]
              • Vatican City [Rome]
                • Vatican Palace [Vatican City]
                  • Stanza della Segnatura [Vatican Palace]
                    • Vatican-Stanza della Segnatura-Parnassus
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • prints
  • Other number(s)

    Ruland p.185 C.6