"The original of this cast stood in the extreme angle of the pediment of the Parthenon, representing the birth of Minerva, and in this steed of the sun is personified the dawn of civilization following that event, while the retreating shade of barbarism was represented in the head of the horse of night (no. 8) in the opposite angle of the pediment. Though woefully battered, there remains enough of correct modelling and spirited action in them to show the hand of a great master." [P. 6.]
Catalogue of the Paintings, Statuary, Casts, Bronzes, &c. of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Washington, D.C. Gibson Brothers, Printers, 1874.