Meet the Muses: Terpsichore.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ On this fragmentary Roman sarcophagus, Terpsichore, muse of dancing and choral song, holds out a lyre towards a seated woman, who may represent the deceased. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ The woman reaches to touch the strings of the lyre, as if learning how to play. The delicate carving makes clear the shape of the tortoise shell that forms the soundbox. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Terpsichore wears a chiton, a kind of tunic, which is completely enveloped by a himation, or mantle. Some Greek authors called her the mother to some of the Sirens, the half-bird, half-women whose irresistible song drew sailors to their deaths.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Tap the #linkinbio to learn more about this sarcophagus and its recent conservation treatment in the online exhibit "Muses in the Lab: Conserving a Roman Sarcophagus."⁠⁠⁠ .⁠⁠ .⁠⁠ .⁠⁠ 🏷#art #ancientart #roman #muses #sculpture #fashion #fashionoutfit #mythology #fragments⁠⁠