The Contest of the Pierides
by ROSSO FIORENTINO, Oil on wood transferred to canvas, 31 x 63 cm
In Greek mythology, King Pieride, once king of Macedonia, had nine daughters he named after the nine Muses, believing that their skills were a great match to the Muses. He thus challenged the Muses to a match, resulting in his daughters being turned into magpies and jackdaws. In Greek mythology these nine daughters of the king usually are referred to as the Pierides.