Muses in popular culture

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Representations or analogues of one or more of the nine Muses of Greek mythology have appeared in many different modern fictional works.

Sarcophagus known as the "Sarcophagus of the Muses", representing the nine Muses and their attributes. Marble, first half of the 2nd century AD; found by the Via Ostiense. From left to right: Calliope, who holds a scroll; Thalia, holding a comic mask; Terpsichore, Muse of dance; Euterpe, holds a double flute; Polymnia, leans on a rock; Clio, has a writing-tablet; Erato, holds a cithara; Urania, muse of astronomy, is shown with a globe at her feet; and Melpomene, wears a tragic mask.

The Muses, 1578, by Tintoretto

Terpsichore holding an Aeolian harp. Sculpted in marble by John Walsh in 1771.

Calliope

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In Greek mythology, Calliope is the Muse who presides over eloquence and epic poetry; so called from the ecstatic harmony of her voice. Hesiod and Ovid called her the "Chief of all Muses".

Detail of painting The Muses Urania and Calliope by Simon Vouet, in which she holds a copy of the Odyssey

Calliope on an antique fresco from Pompeii

Calliope, muse de l'éloquence et de la poésie épique (Calliope, muse of eloquence and epic poetry)