Model and Muse: Intimate Connections

BOSTON, MA – In Classical Antiquity, inspiration was dependent upon the nine Muses, goddesses and daughters of Zeus presiding over the Arts and Sciences whose invocation bestowed divine creativity upon their acolytes. The term “muse” has since become synonymous with an individual who similarly inspires another. There exists a long tradition within the Fine Arts of muses, men and women whose looks, personalities, and attitudes encourage bursts of prolific creative energy. Often this relationship between artist and muse is, or becomes, intimately familiar. Lovers, spouses, children, and friends have all been sources of great inspiration as subjects within an artist’s oeuvre.

Focusing on pieces from the early 20th century to the present, Model and Muse: Intimate Connections reflects upon the fascinating and complicated relations between an artist and their inspiration. In works by Paul Cadmus, such as Winter #2 and NM 166, the artist’s master draftsmanship of the human form is apparent. Perhaps more rewarding, however, is viewing these pieces with an understanding of the familiar intimacy with which Cadmus crafted the images of his model and lover, Jon Anderson. The easy sense of comfort gleaned from Sally Michel’s paintings Brunette and Untitled [Seated Woman] comes