Natural Histories Dolphins of the Belfiore Does the intelligent sea mammal, long associated with Venus, the goddess of love, offer a clue to a lost jewel of the Renaissance? Alexander Lee | Published in History Today Volume 71 Issue 7 July 2021 Calliope, missing Muse of epic poetry? Or a lost Venus? Detail of a painting by Cosimo Tura, c.1455-60, National Gallery, London © Bridgeman Images. To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.