ROSSO FIORENTINO
(b. 1494, Firenze, d. 1540, Paris)

The Contest of the Pierides

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Oil on wood transferred to canvas, 31 x 63 cm
Musée du Louvre, Paris

In Greek mythology, King Pieride, once king of Macedonia, had nine daughters he named after the nine Muses, believing that their skills were a great match to the Muses. He thus challenged the Muses to a match, resulting in his daughters being turned into magpies and jackdaws. In Greek mythology these nine daughters of the king usually are referred to as the Pierides.