Melpomene

by Thomas Jefferys

This fascinating engraving from the eighteenth century portrays Melpomene, the muse of tragedy in her classical style. Melpomene, who is among the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, is characterized by her somber nature and usually bears the tragic mask or dagger, indicative of tragedy in its theatrical form.

The artist Thomas Jefferys was a prolific English cartographer and engraver to King George III. He brings architectural elements to his work, which makes this engraving an exquisite collection piece.