Apollo, the Muses, and Mars: In Praise of Tasso

Giovanni Battista Piazzetta

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing depicting a gathering with mythical elements and figures, set in a classical or mythological framework. In the center, a nude figure with a lyre stands on a rock, surrounded by elegantly dressed individuals engaged in music and the arts. Some figures are playing musical instruments, while others are in discussion or contemplation. In the upper right, angelic beings with wings hover, one holding a trumpet. To the right, a winged horse akin to Pegasus stands on its hind legs. The background includes trees and a rolling landscape. The drawing showcases precise and delicate lines, indicative of classical or neoclassical draftsmanship.