Muses (Musas)

The Greeks represented Mnemosyne, a divinity who promoted oblivion, as Lethe or the river of forgetfulness. Her relationship with Zeus resulted in the birth of the nine Muses who had the ability to inspire the arts and sciences: Calliope (eloquence), Erato (lyric poetry), Clio (history), Thalia (comedy), Melpomene (tragedy), Euterpe (music), Polyhymnia (hymns), Terpsichore (dance), Urania (astronomy).


Os Gregos representavam Mnemosine, divindade promotora do esquecimento, como o rio Letes ou do esquecimento. Da sua ligação com Zeus nasceram nove Musas com capacidade para inspirar as artes e as ciências: Calíope (eloquência), Érato (poesia lírica), Clio (história), Tália (comédia), Melpómene (tragédia), Euterpe (música), Polimnia (hinos), Terpsicore (dança), Urânia (astronomia).

Simon Vouet (1590-1649) and workshop-'the Muses Urania and Calliope'-oil on panel-ca 1634 Washington-National Gallery of Art

A. Andrew Gonzalez (1940-2006)-'summoning of the Muse'-oil on canvas

James Thornil (ca 1675-1734)-'the Muses escaping violation from King Pyreneus' Bristol-City Museum

Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-1779)-'Parnassus'-oil on panel-1761 St Petersburg-Hermitage

Edward Field Sanford the elder (1867-1951)-'Inspiration'-bronze with green patina-1929 Private collection