\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \pard\tx8790\ATXts240\ATXbrdr0 \f1 The heroic exploits of historical or legendary figures of antiquity were often represented in
painting as courageous and virtuous, intended to serve as an admonition or guide. \par
Perseus proved his courage by killing the terrible Medusa, a monster who had snakes instead of hair and whose gaze turned people to stone. Due to her capacity to im
mobilize the enemy, the effigy of Medusa was often placed on warriorsÆ shields.\par
The story of PerseusÆ defeat of the sea monster, saving the sacrificial victim Andromeda and freeing her people from its tyranny, was frequently interpreted as a politic
al allegory.\par
The power of poetry and music is celebrated in the myth of Orpheus, the legendary poet who charmed Persephone, custodian of the underworld, with the beauty of his song, persuading her to let him take his bride Eurydice back to the world
of the living. However, the joy of the young couple was brief, as it was EurydiceÆs destiny to remain forever in the land of the dead.\b \par
\b0 Another celebration of poetry is found in the tale of Sappho, the unhappy poetess of the island of Lesbos
who dedicated her agonizing songs of love to Phaon.\par
\pard\ATXts240\ATXbrdr0 Among female virtues, faithfulness and chastity are the ones most frequently illustrated in works of art. One example is the story of Lucretia, the Roman noblewoma
n who preferred death to living in the dishonor of having been raped by Tarquin.
