23/09/2026
Art on Your Doorstep: A Muse (Calliope?)
Artist: Cosimo Tura
Year: probably 1455–60
Location: Tower Museum
Look closer… what do you see?
At first glance, this might seem like a simple seated figure from mythology.
But take another look…
This striking figure is thought to represent Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, shown holding a tablet that symbolises writing, knowledge, and creative inspiration.
Cosimo Tura presents her not as a distant myth, but as a powerful, almost otherworldly presence.
Her clothing is richly patterned, and the sharp lines combined with metallic tones give the figure a sculptural, jewel-like quality.
Painted during the Italian Renaissance, the work reflects a renewed fascination with classical mythology, learning, and the role of the artist as a channel for inspiration.
The style is deliberately unusual — dramatic, precise, and highly decorative — creating a sense that the figure exists between the real and the imagined.
Look closely at the intricate patterns and shimmering surfaces. The detail builds texture, depth, and intensity across the painting.
The result is a vision of inspiration that feels both intellectual and symbolic.
How does this distinctive style change the way you see a mythological figure like this?
See it at Tower Museum as part of Art on Your Doorstep
Cosimo Tura (before 1431–1495), A Muse (Calliope?), probably 1455–60
Layard Bequest, 1916
© The National Gallery, London
Alt text: A richly detailed painting of a seated mythological figure, believed to be Calliope, the muse of epic poetry. She holds a tablet symbolising writing and knowledge. Her clothing is highly decorative with intricate patterns, and the use of metallic tones and sharp lines creates a sculptural, otherworldly appearance.
