Author Interview: Ruth Millington's "Muse"
We’re back on ArtCurious with another great interview episode for you today. I recently enjoyed a conversation with the acclaimed art historian, critic, and author Ruth Millington, all about her new book, Muse: Uncovering the Hidden Figures Behind Art History’s Masterpieces . Muse follows the fascinating true stories of thirty incredible muses—and their roles in some of the world’s most iconic artworks.
We instantly recognize many of their faces from art history’s most well-known masterpieces––but just who was Picasso’s “Weeping Woman”? Or the burglar in Francis Bacon’s oeuvre? Why was Grace Jones covered in graffiti? Far from posing silently, many muses bring emotional support, intellectual energy, career-changing creativity, and practical assistance to artists. However, the long-standing image of the muse is that of a passive, powerless model (usually young, attractive, and female) at the mercy of an influential and older male artist.
Could this impression be incorrect and unfair? Is this trope a romanticized myth? Have people embraced, or even sought, the status of muse? And most importantly, where would artists be without them? By delving into the real-life relationships between these models and the artists who immortalized them, Muse reveals muses’ active, creative participation in the works they inspire. Muse will surprise you, as it did me, with the answers to all of these questions and conundrums, and it’s well worth your time.
About the author:
Ruth Millington is an art historian, critic and author, specializing in modern and contemporary art. She has written for various publications, including The Art Newspaper, Sunday Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Sorbet Magazine and BBC Online. She has been featured as an art expert on TV and radio, including BBC Breakfast, Sky Arts and ITV News
Please enjoy this bonus episode, featuring my discussion, via Zoom, with Ruth Millington. Be sure to grab your copy of Muse from Bookshop.org, below. If you prefer Amazon, that link is below as well.
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