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The design
for this tapestry kit is based on an eighth century
fragment of silk serge, formerly in the treasure of
the Sancta Sanctorum, where it was used as a cushion
for the enamel cross of Pope Paschal (AD 817-824). The
highly stylised nature of the design is typical of Byzantine
art and textiles. The original is now housed in the
Museo Sacro, Vatican, Rome, Italy.
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According
to Greek mythology, Pegasus sprang from the gorgon Medusa's
neck when she was killed by Perseus. Pegasus then flew
to mount Helicon, where, having struck the ground with
his hoof, a spring began to flow which became sacred
to the Muses. Bellerophon, King of Corinth, managed
to capture Pegasus with a golden bridle, enabling him
to destroy the three-headed monster Chimaera. Unfortunately,
however, this caused Bellerophon to have an inflated
opinion of his greatness, and he attempted to fly on
Pegasus to join the gods on Olympus. An enraged Zeus
sent an insect to annoy Pegasus, causing the horse to
throw Bellerophon from his back. Pegasus was then installed
in the Olympian stables where he was entrusted to bring
Zeus his lightning and thunderbolts.
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