Clio

Monserrate : Music Room

Clio, the muse of history, or heroic poetry. Hence the rolls of parchment and the pen. Actually she looks rather like Sappho's sister. Perhaps our artist was running out of models or inspiration. The same laurel crown too. In this case it stands not for poetry, but for everlasting Glory and Honour. But what about the trumpet? According to Cesare Ripa, the emblematist, Clio holds this instrument to represent the Fame of those she favours.