Bust of Marsyas

Barracco Museum

The marble piece is a replica from the antonian age of a detail from a series of greek sculptures at the Acropolis in Athens dating back to 450 B.C. of Athena and Marsyas. The two are linked by the famous myth of the punishment of the satyr Marsyas, who, after having taken up the  aulos (flute) thrown away by the goddess Athena, was beaten by her as she wanted the instrument to disappear altogether. Still not satisfied, Marsyas challenged Apollo to a musical duel and, after having lost, was flayed alive.