Two Muses (Erato and Melpomene), c.1500-1505, Workshop of Filippino Lippi; Artist: Master of Memphis; Artist: Formerly attributed to Master of Tavernelle (Niccol? Cartoni?), Italian (Florence), Italian (Florence), early 16th century, 11 1/16 x 8 7/16 x 1/8 in. (28.1 x 21.43 x 0.32 cm) (panel)16 x 13 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (40.64 x 34.29 x 5.72 cm) (outer frame), Probably tempera and oil (tempera grassa) on panel, Italy, 16th century, In Greek mythology, the Muses were the nine goddesses of creative inspiration in the arts, each having her own sphere of influence. One may be Thalia, the Muse of comedy and pastoral poetry, usually shown with a mask and a musical instrument, while the other is likely Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy, typically shown with a mask and small horn. Thalia plays a lyre placed on a small altar dedicated to Deo. Max., possibly the sun god, Apollo.