A GROUP OF THREE CARVED IVORY MUSES: ERATO, THALIA AND CLIO

The nine muses representing different branches of the arts were the daughters of Jupiter and the Titaness Mnemosyne (see also lot 1161), and companions of Apollo. Here we have represented Erato, muse of lyric and love poetry, Thalia, muse of comedy and pastoral poetry, and Clio, muse of history.

The ivories here must have been part of a special commission from a member of the family whose coat of arms is held by Clio, and may once have adorned a grand cabinet or other piece of furniture. The practice of adorning furniture with wood, ivory or bronze sculptural mounts was widespread in 18th century England, and although London was a culturally diverse city, many of the local artisans were actually of French or Netherlandish descent.