Ovid’s Fasti
In 8 AD, the Roman poet Ovid published the Fasti; a six book latin poem that celebrated the customs, festivals and myths that filled the Roman year.
For 3rd February when the constellation Delphinius (The Dolphin) disappears, Ovid tells the tale of singer Arion who after winning silver from a music competition in Sicily, is thrown into the sea by Corinthian sailors who are after his newly-won riches. Arion is saved by a dolphin sent by Jupiter who was charmed by his music and is safely returned to Corinth.
"Arion gripped the Lyre, and paid his fare In song, soothing the ocean waves with his singing The gods see good deeds: Jupiter took the dolphin And ordered its constellation to contain nine stars" - Extract from the Fasti by Publius Ovidius Naso (43 BCE-17/18 CE)
Unusually, Arion appears as a young boy in Ferrari's interpretation. In Ancient Sculpture, Love or Cupid is often shown as a boy riding a dolphin. Painted in 1509-1510, this playful image suggests the work of art had a different meaning to the artist.
Arion riding on a Dolphin by Francesco Bianchi Ferrari (active 1481 - d. 1510), c. 1509 - 1510. Tempera and oil on panel.
