Literature depicts a varied group of male and female figures sitting or standing. Apollo, the God of letters, sits in the foreground of a Greek temple surrounded by a company of maidens reading an ancient scroll. On the right, are Comedy and Tragedy. In the foreground a woman instructs two youths in the rudiments of learning. On the left a dreamy poet reclines and reads beside a bust of Homer while his muse hovers above him. Next to him a standing figure of Fame holds out a crown of laurel above the head of a seated poet who is deep in thought. Below are the names of countries notable for their contributions to literature: Greece, Italy, and England.