Women in dance while Terpsichore was the Muse of dance. In the 6th century BC, the "choros" became a lasting feature of Greek theatre while women known as the Dyonysiac, frequently depicted on Greek vases, dance in frensy, celebrating Dionysus, the god of wine. In Ancient Rome, female singers and dancers performed in the annual celebrations of Isis which included mystery plays representing the resurrection of Osiris. The Bible contains several accounts of women dancing, in particular the celebrations led by Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea when women are said to have danced and played hand-drums. After David had returned
Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse also by the Classical subject matter of the muses from ancient Greek/Roman mythologies that numerous sculptors tried to create. Reynolds painted Siddons as Melpomene, the muse of tragedy. This work was painted when Mrs. Siddons was 28 years old and in the prime of her career. When she entered Reynolds' studio he took her by the hand and said, ""Ascend upon your undisputed throne, and graciously bestow upon me some great idea of the Tragic Muse"". Like the old masters, Reynolds signed his name secretly in the work by putting it on the gold embroidery at the hem of her