Statue

Little is known about the artist Eugène Arrondelle. This statue probably represents the mythological goddess Erato, one of the nine Muses of the liberal arts and sciences and the patroness of lyric and love poetry. Erato is usually shown playing a lyre, but Arrondelle's version shows the Greek instrument carved on the front of her crown. The sculptor ornamented the dress with leaf patterns taken from costumes used in French court operas. This work was given to the Museum in honor of Alice Pike Barney, a noted painter, playwright, and patron of the arts in Washington.