Muses/Mistresses and Inspirations Throughout Art History

Alice Ernestine Prin, nicknamed Queen of Montparnasse, and often known as Kiki de Montparnasse, became a nude model for sculptors when she was 14, posing for Alexander Calder and Jean Cocteau. She was the longtime mistress and muse of surrealist photographer Man Ray. Victorine Meuren was Manet's muse and favorite model, rumored to be a prostitute and actually a talented painter in her own right. She stars in Manet's two most famous works, "Olympia" and "Luncheon on the Grass". She also modeled for Edgar Degas. Many artists are inspired by women. Others draw inspiration from within or from their beliefs. " I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free "— Michelangelo. This course will explore who or what inspired some of the famous artists throughout history.