The frescoes in the Vatican Palace commissioned by Popes Julius II and Leo X
François Forster (1790-1872)
Head of a muse [from 'The Parnassus'] dated 1839
Engraving | 40.0 x 30.4 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 852463
![Head of a muse [from 'The Parnassus']](https://albert.rct.uk/sites/default/files/styles/rctr-scale-1300-500/public/collection-online/3/7/759419-1527261413.jpg?itok=dGoenKLR "Head of a muse [from 'The Parnassus']")
A print reproducing the head and shoulders of the third muse to the right 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, provenance of the work and printer's name. Lettered with artists' names, dates and publishing line.
In the final state of the engraving, the figure is described as Urania, the muse of astronomy. Although the identification of the figure is the subject of ongoing debate, today's most plausible identification seems to be Terpsichore, the muse ruling over dance and theatrical choruses.
In the final state of the engraving, the figure is described as Urania, the muse of astronomy. Although the identification of the figure is the subject of ongoing debate, today's most plausible identification seems to be Terpsichore, the muse ruling over dance and theatrical choruses.
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Creator(s)
François Forster (1790-1872) (engraver)
After Raphael (Urbino 1483-Rome 1520) (artist)
Bernard Duvivier (1762-1837) (designer)
Veith & Hauser: 11 Boulevard des Italiens, Paris (publisher)
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40.0 x 30.4 cm (sheet of paper)
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Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)
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Object type(s)
- visual works
- prints
Subject(s)
- Religion & Theology
- Religions and faiths
- Religions of antiquity
- Classical mythology
- Muses
- Terpsichore (Muse)
- Classical mythology
- Religions of antiquity
- Religions and faiths
- Places
- Europe
- Greece
- 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
- Stanza della Segnatura [Vatican Palace]
- Vatican Palace [Vatican City]
- Vatican City [Rome]
- Rome [Lazio]
- Lazio [Italy]
- Greece
- Europe
- visual works
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Other number(s)
Ruland p.185 C.5
Bibliographic reference(s)
Höper 2001 : Höper, C. Raffael und die Folgen, Hatje Cantz Verlag, 2001 p.385, no.F 3.12
In Partnership with
The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.