An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Terpsichore Lyran (Muse of Lyric Poetry)1816
Antonio Canova
In Greek mythology, Terpsichore was one of the nine Muses, or goddesses of creative inspiration. The lyre, the Greek inscription on the short column, and the caduceus (entwined snakes) on the side identify the figure as Terpsichore Lyran, muse of lyric poetry. This sculpture began with a commission from Napoleon's brother, Lucien, for an idealized portrait of his wife, Alexandrine. Antonio Canova made this version for a British aristocrat and exhibited it in 1817 at the Royal Academy in London to great acclaim.
Trained by his grandfather, an Italian stonemason, Canova began modeling clay and carving marble sculptures before age ten.
marble
Overall: 177.5 x 78.1 x 61 cm (69 7/8 x 30 3/4 x 24 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In a sunlit corner of the gallery, there stands a statue that whispers tales from the past—a figure wrapped in grace and creativity, embodying the essence of music and poetry. This is Terpsichore, one of the nine Muses from Greek mythology, each a goddess dedicated to inspiring the arts. She is crowned with the gentle notes of a lyre, a symbol gliding over the smooth surfaces of marble, inviting the viewer to pause and listen to the melodies of time.
Her presence is further accentuated by intricate engravings—a Greek inscription resting on a slender column—along with the caduceus, those entwined snakes that dance around each other, representing harmony and balance. Terpsichore, muse of lyric poetry, stands not merely as a figure in stone but as a vessel of inspiration, a bridge between the realms of creativity and the human experience.
It is intriguing to know that this particular sculpture did not simply emerge from the artist's whim but was born out of a heartfelt commission by Lucien Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother. With tender affection, Lucien sought an idealized portrait of his beloved wife, Alexandrine. This quest for beauty and adoration led Antonio Canova, a master sculptor of his time, to breathe life into stone, giving form to love and admiration through Terpsichore's elegant figure.
In 1817, this work of art made its debut, showcased like a jewel at the Royal Academy in London. The critics and the public alike were enraptured, captivated by the delicate contours and the deep emotions that radiated from the statue. Each gaze that fell upon Terpsichore felt a connection—a spark igniting within, fanning the flames of creativity in countless hearts.
And so, within the frames of history, this sculpture continues to resonate, a reminder that art is not just to be observed but felt, with every note and every line echoing the timeless stories of love, inspiration, and the human spirit.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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