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Not on display
The painting shows the mythological winged horse Pegasus striking the ground with his hoof and thus causing the fountain of Hippocrene to flow. The story comes from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' (V, 312: 36, 374: 430).
Surrounding Pegasus are the Muses, singing and making music, while the daughters of Pierus, who sang in contest with them, stand in the background.
The painting was probably intended to be part of a piece of furniture, perhaps the lid of a musical instrument.
Surrounding Pegasus are the Muses, singing and making music, while the daughters of Pierus, who sang in contest with them, stand in the background.
The painting was probably intended to be part of a piece of furniture, perhaps the lid of a musical instrument.
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The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN