Polyhymnia (heroic hymns) (from the Tarocchi series D: Apollo and the Muses, #15)
Master of the E-Series Tarocchi
1467
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Master of the E-Series Tarocchi
1467
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This engraving shows Polyhymnia, one of the nine Muses from Greek myth. She wears flowing robes and holds a lyre, a stringed instrument. A scroll rests at her feet. This print comes from a deck of cards called the Tarocchi. Made in 15th-century Ferrara, Italy, it pairs gods and goddesses with arts and sciences. Polyhymnia’s name means “many hymns,” linking her to sacred music and poetry. Her quiet gaze and detailed robes make this work stand out. Look up chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow shape her figure.
