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://col.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']")
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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.Provenance
Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Engraving
Measurements
40.0 x 30.4 cm (sheet of paper)
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Object type(s)
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Other number(s)
Bibliographic reference(s)
Höper 2001 : Höper, C. Raffael und die Folgen, Hatje Cantz Verlag, 2001 p.385, no.F 3.12
