Carved Figure of “Erato”

American, ca. 1850.

Mahogany

Condition: Missing small portion of the lyre. Retains the original varnish finish.

This carved full-length figure of Erato holding a lyre is finely executed, yet still has a provincial quality to it. During the Greek Revival period, classical figures were popular subject matter. Erato was one of the nine Muses, the goddesses of music, song, and dance. Her name means “the lovely” or “beloved” from the Greek eratos. In Classical times when the Muses were assigned specific spheres, she was named Muse of erotic poetry and was represented holding a lyre.